Part 12/17:
Bach conceptualizes consciousness as the orchestrator of mental processes—akin to a conductor directing an orchestra of neural instruments. When incoherence arises, consciousness intervenes, directing attention to resolve conflicts and foster global coherence.
He emphasizes that consciousness appears early in development: infants demonstrate rudimentary awareness, suggesting consciousness isn't just a byproduct of intelligence but a prerequisite. This view supports his hypothesis that consciousness functions as a learning algorithm guiding development and stability.