In order to consider the possibility of modelling consciousness it is necessary to have a functional specification of the brain – not just the human brain, but any animal brain. I argue that the brain is the organ for dealing with the sequential imperative and I introduce six general cognitive principles which cover important aspects of brain functionality:
GCP1 Sequentiality in behaviour is forced physiologically.
Corollary 1 Sequence penetrates the corporeal boundary.
Corollary 2 Sequence is semiotically free.GCP2 Cognitive entities are i) inherently atemporal, & ii) dual in nature.
GCP3 Behaviour is sequencing; perception is de-sequencing.
GCP4 Learning serves the sequential imperative.
GCP5 Attention is the management of the processes of sequencing and de-sequencing.
GCP6 Thought is the production of cognitive entities.
The sequential imperative is expressed in the first principle, and the remaining principles cover aspects of functionality which are required for cognition.
A working model – PANTOME – has been built which gives expression to the first three principles. This will be described. Conjectures will be offered on the possibility that:
a) specification of functionality will lead to better/implementable models of cognition;
b) exploration of properties of such models as PANTOME will lead to identification of incompleteness of functionality, of unrecognized functionality, and of functional opportunities (spandrels);
c) consciousness occupies a spandrel.