The Emperor's New Mind: Concerning Computers, Minds, and the Laws of Physics (Oxford Landmark Science)

by Roger Penrose

Many differing views have been expressed with regard to the relation of the state of the brain to the phenomenon of consciousness. There is remarkably little consensus of opinion for a phenomenon of such obvious importance. It is clear, however, that all parts of the brain are not equally involved in its manifestation. For example, as hinted above, the cerebellum seems to be much more of an ‘automaton’ than the cerebrum. Actions under cerebellar control seem almost to take place ‘by themselves’ without one having to ‘think about’ them. While one may consciously decide to walk from one place to another, one does not often become aware of the elaborate plan of detailed muscle movements that would be necessary for controlled motion. The same may be said of unconscious reflex actions, such as the removal of one’s hand from a hot stove, which might be mediated not by the brain at all but by the upper part of the spinal column. From this, at least, one may be well inclined to infer that the phenomenon of consciousness is likely to have more to do with the action of the cerebrum than with the cerebellum or the spinal cord. On the other hand, it is very far from clear that the activity of the cerebrum must itself always impinge upon our awareness. For

Cerebellum isn't related to consciousness