Toward A Science of Consciousness 2010
April 12-17, 2010
Tucson Convention Center, Tucson, Arizona
Sponsored by:
The Center for Consciousness Studies, The University of Arizona
www.consciousness.arizona.edu
The ninth biennial Tucson conference Toward a Science of Consciousness will take place April 12-17, 2010 at the Tucson Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona. The Tucson conferences are known for rigorous, inter-disciplinary approaches to understanding all aspects of the problem of conscious experience. As in previous conferences, the program will include Plenary and Keynote talks, Concurrent talks, Poster presentations, Art/Science demos and exhibits, Pre-Conference workshops, Side trips and Social events.
Session themes will include
Brain default networks
Stimulus-independent thought
Mind wandering
Non-conscious processing
Machine consciousness
Body consciousness
Self and Transformation
William James Centennial
Plenary and Keynote speakers will include
John Bargh
David Chalmers
Henrik Ehrsson
Ben Goertzel
Malia Mason
Marcus Raichle
Jonathan Schooler
Robert Shulmer
Jeff Warren
A major focus for the conference will be the inter-related topics of Stimulus-independent thought, Brain default networks, Mind wandering, and Unconscious processing.
Historically, brain correlates of consciousness have been approached along hierarchical sensory processing, arousal and response. However recent work on conscious brain activity in the absence of sensory inputs reveals brain default networks, or the brains dark energy. How does this activity relate to consciousness? To internally generated states like meditation, fantasy or mind wandering? To global workspace theory? Is hierarchical thalamo-cortical activity necessary for consciousness? Or can the processes underlying consciousness self-organize through synchrony?
We are pleased to have the two major pioneers in brain default networks as keynote speakers. Marcus Raichle and Robert Shulmer (separately) have opened doors on default networks, but have different views on their relation to consciousness.
Jonathan Schooler and Malia Mason have imaged brain activity moving through default networks, and correlating with mind wandering. John Bargh has explored non-conscious processes governing behavior, free will and the boundary between conscious and nonconscious processes. Other plenary session themes will include Body consciousness, with Henrik Ehrsson on conscious awareness of body, and prosthetic devices, and Machine
consciousness, with AI leader Ben Goertzel discussing ‘bubbles of awareness’ in computational systems. Jeff Warren, author of ‘Head Trip’ will give a first person experiential presentation. Other Plenary sessions being planned include a William James Centennial, and Self and Transformation.
In addition to Keynote and Plenary talks, Pre-conference Workshops, Concurrent Talks, Posters, Art/Tech Demos, Social Events, and Side Trips will occur in the Tucson conference tradition.
For Information see: http://www.consciousness.arizona.edu/Tucson2010.htm
On behalf of the Program Committee – Toward a Science of Consciousness 2010
Stuart Hameroff – Co-chair
David Chalmers – Co-chair
Bernard Baars
Anthony Freeman
Al Kaszniak
Christof Koch
Uriah Kriegel
Hakwan Lau
Marilyn Schlitz
Abi Behar-Montefiore, Manager, Center for Consciousness Studies, University of Arizona – center .-at.- u.arizona.edu
TSC 2010 Conference Abstract Submission System will be available via the CCS website after September 20, 2009
Schedule of Deadlines – Tentative
November 15 Abstracts Due
January 5 Decisions
February 15 Early Registration Due
March 1 Final Abstract Edits Due
Call for Pre-Conference Workshop proposals
Toward a Science of Consciousness 2010
April 12-17, 2010
The ninth biennial Tucson conference Toward a Science of Consciousness will occur April 12-17, 2010 at the Tucson Convention center, Tucson, Arizona.
As in previous years, the opening Plenary session on Tuesday afternoon April 13 will be preceded by pre-conference workshops held in three 4 hour sessions
1) Monday April 12, 9 am to 1 pm
2) Monday April 12, 2 pm to 6 pm
3) Tuesday April 13, 9 am to 1 pm
The conference Plenary program opens Tuesday April 13 at 1:45 pm.
Proposals for pre-conference workshops are invited in all areas related to understanding conscious experience. Workshops provide in depth, detailed treatments of various methodologies, perspectives, reviews and approaches.
Workshops may be solo presentations, or include two or more presenters. Attendance fees are $75 for 4 hour workshops and $125 for full day workshops, split evenly between presenter(s) and the conference which provides the room, A-V, promotion/advertisement and refreshments. A minimum number of registrants will be required.
Workshop presenters (up to 2 per workshop) also receive free registration for the conference. Please submit a 500 word (or less) abstract/summary and presenter information by email (or attachment) directly to center@email.arizona.edu
Deadline for Workshop proposals is October 20, 2009. Submitters will be notified by November 15.
