Minimal Set of Questions for Theories of Consciousness: Toward a Unified Explanatory Framework
Yoshiyuki Ohmura, Yasuo Kuniyoshi
arXiv Preprint Archive March 13, 2026 preprint
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Q-bio.nc Eess.sy |
| Key points | Proposes a framework of seven neutral questions for organizing explanatory targets of theories of consciousness, emphasizing asymmetric causal structure to distinguish variable- and structure-level causation. |
Abstract
A central challenge in consciousness research is the lack of agreement on what a theory of consciousness should explain, which makes it difficult to compare existing theories. We propose a framework for organizing explanatory targets of theories based on a minimal set of seven questions designed to be theoretically neutral, causally and functionally relevant, and applicable across different systems. We focus particularly on the role of causation based on the argument that causal relations cannot be fully specified within standard physical descriptions alone. Introducing an asymmetric causal structure allows internal mechanisms to be represented explicitly and helps distinguish between variable- and structure-level causation. As an example, we apply the proposed framework to analyzing the Dual-Laws Model. The aim of the framework is not to propose a definitive theory but to provide a common basis for analyzing and developing theories of consciousness.