ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author discusses consciousness from the viewpoint of the evolution of mind-brain, considering psychoanalytic and neuropsychological perspectives without privileging either discipline. His model builds up from three core functional brain systems: reflexe, compound movements, and innate behavior. The author attempts to build bridges to S. Freud's structural model. From this classical analytic perspective he connects id drives with hypothalamus and limbic system; the ego with the neocortex, both sensorimotor and associative; and the superego with systems lead by the associative cortex "and the regulatory systems attached to it". Efforts to clarify definitions and sort out mind-brain relationships seem critical because of the great importance of such knowledge both clinically and theoretically. Traditionally, consciousness has been considered to be a reflection of one of the following: wakefulness, perceptual awareness, or self-awareness. The author explains the role of the cerebellum takes on special importance; this has long been one of his research interests.
