Abstract
Integrated Information Theory (IIT) 3.0 is among the leading theories of consciousness in contemporary neuroscience. The core of the theory relies on the calculation of a scalar mathematical measure of consciousness, φ, which is inspired by the phenomenological axioms of the theory. Here, we show that despite its widespread application, φ is not a well-defined mathematical concept in the sense that the value it specifies is non-unique. To demonstrate this, we introduce an algorithm that calculates all possible φ values for a given system in strict accordance with the mathematical definition from the theory. We show that, to date, all published φ values under consideration are selected arbitrarily from a multitude of equally valid alternatives. Crucially, both and are often predicted simultaneously, rendering any interpretation of these systems as conscious or not, non-decidable in the current formulation of IIT.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | niad014 |
Journal | Neuroscience of Consciousness |
Volume | 2023 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2023 |
Keywords
- computational neuroscience
- consciousness
- integrated information theory (IIT)
- mathematical theories of consciousness
- non-uniqueness
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology
- Psychiatry and Mental health