Beyond accommodation: on the structural turn in computational functionalist theories of consciousness.
Francesco Ellia, Naotsugu Tsuchiya
Neuroscience of Consciousness 2025 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niaf014 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Computational functionalism Consciousness Integrated information theory Theories and models Brain structure Neural networks |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Argues that the structural turn in computational functionalist theories of consciousness largely repeats predictions already made by Integrated Information Theory, and questions the coherence of these claims within the functionalist paradigm. |
Abstract
This commentary engages with recent work on computational functionalist theories of consciousness through a structural lens. We address three key aspects: the role of subjective experience in theory building, the hypothesis regarding local lateral connectivity in sensory areas, and the implications of "silent units" for consciousness. We argue that while their structural turn is welcome, many of their insights were previously predicted by Integrated Information Theory. We question the coherence of these claims within the functionalist paradigm and emphasize the importance of distinguishing genuine predictions from post-hoc accommodations in consciousness science.
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
Cites 15
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- Consciousness as Integrated Information: a Provisional Manifesto Biological Bulletin December 1, 2008
- No-Report Paradigms: Extracting the True Neural Correlates of Consciousness Trends in Cognitive Sciences November 13, 2015
- Why Does Space Feel the Way it Does? Towards a Principled Account of Spatial Experience Entropy November 27, 2019
- Consciousness and the fallacy of misplaced objectivity. Neuroscience of Consciousness 2021
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