Escaping from the IIT Munchausen method: Re-establishing the scientific method in the study of consciousness.
The Behavioral and brain sciences March 23, 2022 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x21002028 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Key points | Argues that integrated information theory (IIT) is an example of “ironic science” that obstructs the scientific study of consciousness by confusing a method for quantifying network complexity with a theory of consciousness, leading to panpsychism. |
Abstract
Integrated information theory (IIT) is an example of "ironic science" and obstructs the scientific study of consciousness. By confusing the ontological status of a method to quantify network complexity with that of a theory of consciousness, IIT has to square the circle and spirals toward its panpsychism conclusion. I analyze the consequences of this fallacy and suggest how the study of consciousness can be brought back into the realm of rational, empirical science.