Multimodal Integrative Perception : Biological correlates and qualitative experiences

Abstract

Multisensory integration indicates the brain's ability to synthesize information from different sensory and perceptual sources. This ability is also known as cross-modal integration or intersensory integration. The interest in the neural bases of multisensory integration is largely due to the extraordinary influence it has on perceptual and behavioral effects: effects that are impossible to access through individual sensory channels. This paper aims to analyse the relationship between multisensory integration and the qualitative dimension of consciousness. It will also focus on the way in which the individual modalities - visual, auditory, somatic and other inputs - are synthesized within a central-encephalic space of integration, giving new insights to Cognitive Infocommunications scientific field.