Assessing the commensurability of theories of consciousness: On the usefulness of common denominators in differentiating, integrating and testing hypotheses.
Consciousness and Cognition February 27, 2024 K. Evers, M. Farisco, C. Pennartz
The paper examines how diverse current theories of consciousness are and whether they share common ground. It argues that logical and empirical commensurability—the ability to compare theories along specific dimensions—is necessary for identifying shared features. Comparing a subset of neuroscience-based theories reveals no single unifying model; theories that appear similar on one dimension may differ on another. The authors propose using multiple probing questions to assess overall similarities and differences between theories. Despite conflicting background definitions of consciousness, they conclude that a shared methodological approach to studying brain-consciousness relationships could eventually allow different theories to be integrated and merged, overcoming the current fragmentation.