The Twin Cognitive Cycle: A Unified Framework to Explore the Subjectivity of Consciousness, Excessive Neural Activations found in NCC Research, and the Free Will Debate

This study introduces a unified framework to address several open questions, including (1) the subjectivity of consciousness, i.e., the hard problem of consciousness; (2) the multiple neural activations observed in neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) research; and (3) delayed consciousness in Libet’s famous free will experiments. This framework, namely the Twin Cognitive Cycle (TCC), is based on an executable system that extends previous published work used to simulate the learning functions of dream sleep, developmental amnesia, and the perception–action cycle. By attributing consciousness to the cognitive function that transforms one TCC into another through continuous loops driven by the global activation of a well-established concept, these open questions may be addressed. Subjectivity arises from the infinite possibilities of mental states grounded in the unlimited patterns of global activation. The multiple and seemingly excessive neural activations revealed in both EEG recordings and fMRI neuroimaging reflect a combination of local and global activations within TCC loops. Since consciousness is responsible only for subsequent decisions, it should not be linked to earlier decision-making processes; therefore, delayed consciousness does not constitute evidence either for or against free will. The executable system comprises multiple subsystems, including sensory imaging, episodic memory, semantic memory, information manipulation, and semantic reporting, which have been simulated to support the discussions presented in this study.