Attention Schema Theory
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Proposed by Michael Graziano. The brain constructs a simplified model (schema) of attention to control its own attention. This 'model of attention' is what we experience as 'consciousness.' Scaffolding role: understanding the nature of consciousness. It demystifies consciousness as an engineering control mechanism. This provides an important theoretical blueprint for developing strong artificial intelligence (AGI): to make a machine conscious, first let it build a model of its own attention.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Understanding the nature of consciousness. It demystifies consciousness as an engineering control mechanism. This provides an important theoretical blueprint for developing strong artificial intelligence (AGI): to make a machine conscious, first let it build a model of its own attention.
Anchor fast decisions
The brain needs to internally model 'where attention is directed and what is ignored' to efficiently allocate limited attentional resources. This simplified representation (schema) of internal and external attentional states is treated by the system as the experience of 'being aware of something.' Consciousness is thus seen as an approximate model used to control attention, not an independent entity.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attention_schema_theoryverified
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