A Traditional Scientific Perspective on the Integrated Information Theory of Consciousness.

摘要: This paper assesses two different theories for explaining consciousness, a phenomenon that is widely considered amenable to scientific investigation despite its puzzling subjective aspects. I focus on Integrated Information Theory (IIT), which says consciousness integrated information (as ϕMax) and even simple systems with interacting parts possess some consciousness. First, evaluate IIT own merits. Second, compare it more traditionally derived theory called Neurobiological Naturalism (NN), an evolved, emergent feature of complex brains. Comparing these informative because reveals strengths weaknesses each, thereby suggesting better ways study in the future. IIT’s are reasonable axioms at core; strong logic mathematical formalism; creative “experience-first” approach studying consciousness; way avoids mind-body (“hard”) problem; consistency evolutionary theory; many scientifically testable predictions. The potential weakness contains stretches logic-based reasoning were not checked against hard evidence when was being constructed, whereas arguments require such supporting keep course. less concern other theory, NN, incorporated much earlier construction process. NN mature than IIT, formalized quantitative, well tested. However, has identified neural correlates (NCC) offers roadmap through NNCs may answer questions using hypothesize-test-hypothesize-test steps method.