The Endogenous Feedback Network: A new approach to the comprehensive study of consciousness

The phenomenon of consciousness has received through the centuries a profusion of
interpretations, engaging researchers across many disciplines. Nevertheless, consensus still floats at
large. The aim of the present work is therefore twofold. Through the review of a selected number of
existing proposals, it will first be considered the extents of their reciprocal compatibility, tentatively
shaping an integrated, theoretical profile of consciousness. A new theory, the Endogenous Feedback
Network (EFN) will consequently be introduced which, beside being able to accommodate the main
tenets of the reviewed theories, appears able to compensate for the explanatory gaps they leave
behind. The EFN proposes consciousness as the phenomenon emerging from a distinct network of
neural paths broadcasting the neural changes associated to any mental process. It additionally argues
for the need to include a 5th element to Ned Block's taxonomy (i.e. phenomenal, monitoring, access,
and self-consciousness) that is, non-cognitive consciousness.