Global Workspace Theory, as Jim Rutt might describe it, posits that the brain functions somewhat like a theater, where various subconscious processes compete for the spotlight of conscious awareness. This theory, initially proposed by cognitive scientist Bernard Baars, suggests that consciousness acts as a "global workspace" where information is broadcast to different parts of the brain, allowing for integrative processes and problem-solving. Rutt would likely emphasize the evolutionary significance, pointing out that this global workspace allows for more flexible and adaptive behavior by enabling diverse neural systems to share information and work together. Essentially, Global Workspace Theory offers a framework for understanding how various elements of cognition—perception, memory, and action—come together to produce the coherent experience of consciousness.

See also: emergence, evolution, evolutionary computing, game theory, integral theory