Consciousness and Its Three Stages of Processing

Ezequiel Morsella, PhD
Professor of Neuroscience
San Francisco State University

Learning Objectives

• To appreciate that only a subset of processes in the nervous system is associated with consciousness. 
• To distinguish the three stages of processing that are most associated with consciousness. The stages are unconscious processes preceding, and giving rise to, the construction of the “conscious field” (Stage 1), the conscious field (Stage 2), and unconscious processes following, and reacting to, the conscious field (Stage 3). From the standpoint of this selective review, Stage 2, though essential for adaptive behavior, is actually “passive,” as will be explained. The “active” stages are 1 and 3. The three stages associated with consciousness are qualitatively different from each other, and each has unique properties, circuitry, and principles of operation.

Disclosures

• Planners: Bruce L. Miller, MD; Howard J. Rosen, MD; Anil Vora; and Laura Wise have stated they have no relationships to disclose.
• Speaker: Ezequiel Morsella, PhD, has stated he has no relationships to disclose.

Accreditation: The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation: UCSF designates this live activity for a maximum of 22 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Credit is inclusive of all Memory and Aging Center Grand Rounds sessions offered from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. (1 credit per each 1-hour grand rounds session throughout the year).

Virtual attendees must register for this event. Grand Rounds presentations are for educational purposes and intended for a professional audience with a terminal degree. This activity is not commercially supported.