Two arguments for a pre-reflective core self: commentary on Praetorius (2009).

Contra Praetorius (2009), I present two brief arguments which support the existence within the human brain of a pre-reflective core self.

Space, self, and the theater of consciousness.

Over a decade ago, I introduced a large-scale theory of the cognitive brain which explained for the first time how the human brain is able to create internal models of its intimate world and invent models of a wider universe. An essential part of the theoretical model is an organization of neuronal mechanisms which I have named the Retinoid Model [Trehub, A. (1977).

Stimulus intensity and modulation of brain output.

In accordance with the implications of a previously proposed mathematical model of modulation of bioelectric response in the brain, it is found that a single free coefficient predicts the observed modulation periods over a range of stimulus intensities. This coefficient is shown to be a computable function of stimulus intensity. Change in the mean modulation period of evoked bioelectric output at the visual cortex of the rat can be described as a power function of the intensity of photic stimulation.

The brain as a parallel coherent detector.

Knowledge of the bioelectric signal-to-noise ratios in rat brain makes it possible to demonstrate for the first time that the brain functions as a coherent signal detector, an important class of detectors that are explicitly formulated within the statistical theory of communication. Within an afferent neuronal channel of a single modality, the brain functions as a parallel signal processor.

A Markov model for modulation periods in brain output.

A theoretical model is proposed to explain the modulation of bioelectric brain output and its temporal characteristics. The model assumes a time series based on a Markov process with transition probabilities generated by a negative exponential function. One parameter is estimated.

An inexpensive electro-fistular swivel for negative feedback control of self-stimulation.

A swivel was developed for concurrent intraorganismic fluid injection and intracranial electrical stimulation of the unrestrained rat. Effects of various intragastric injections on bar-pressing maintained by electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus were studied. In some subjects, intragastric injections of either water or milk decreased the rate of responding.