Connecting brain and mind through temporo-spatial dynamics: Towards a theory of common currency

Abstract

• We advance a common currency Theory, which proposes temporo-spatial dynamics as a shared framework for neural and mental features. • Novel empirical evidence extends the theory to include spatial features such as topographic organization. • Temporal and spatial correspondences between neural and mental states span a continuum from simple to complex. • Evidence indicates a significant explanatory power for diverse phenomena of interest to neuroscience, including meditation, depression, and thought dynamics. • This work marks a transition from the hypothesis to a comprehensive common currency theory of neuro-mental relationships. Despite major progress in our understanding of the brain, the connection of neural and mental features, that is, brain and mind, remains yet elusive. In our 2020 target paper (“Is temporospatial dynamics the ‘common currency’ of brain and mind? Spatiotemporal Neuroscience”) we proposed the “Common currency hypothesis”: temporo-spatial dynamics are shared by neural and mental features, providing their connection. The current paper aims to further support and extend the original description of such common currency into a first outline of a “Common currency theory” (CCT) of neuro-mental relationship. First, we extend the range of examples to thoughts, meditation, depression and attention all lending support that temporal characteristics, (i.e. dynamics) are shared by both neural and mental features. Second, we now also show empirical examples of how spatial characteristics, i.e., topography, are shared by neural and mental features; this is illustrated by topographic reorganization of both neural and mental states in depression and meditation. Third, considering the neuro-mental connection in theoretical terms, we specify their relationship by distinct forms of temporospatial correspondences, ranging on a continuum from simple to complex. In conclusion, we extend our initial hypothesis about the key role of temporo-spatial dynamics in neuro-mental relationship into a first outline of an integrated mind-brain theory, the “Common currency theory” (CCT).

Topics & Concepts