The differences between conscious and non-conscious processes

Continuing this post, when the brain operates non-consciously it makes use of modules of the type seen in evolutionary biology. And it is true that many of our brain operations are indeed non-conscious. But conscious operations use additional neural pathways not used by non-conscious operations. And conscious operations are volitional and deliberate, i.e., use "coherent, thoughtful planning."

Consciousness uses a global neuronal workspace that "evolved to break the modularity and parallelism of unconscious computations" and which actively selects specific information upon which to act using a "greater capacity for multimodal convergence and integration." Consciousness can also be of a second type, self monitoring, aka metacognition. This too requires neural circuits not found in non-conscious processing. Both types are necessary for subjective experience, something lacking in non-conscious processes.

And ironically, these conscious, subjective capacities can be used to deny their own existence, contrary to the neuroscientific evidence!