Intelligence Without Consciousness the Rise of the IIT Zombies
Preprints.org December 15, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.20944/preprints202510.1665.v2 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe article argues that the Integrated Information Theory (IIT) of consciousness, which equates consciousness with integrated information (phi), logically implies that sophisticated artificial intelligence systems could possess high phi without any subjective experience—creating 'IIT zombies.' This contradiction suggests that IIT's core assumptions may be flawed or that consciousness is not reducible to information integration alone. The author contends that the theory's reliance on a mathematical measure of integration fails to capture the qualitative, first-person nature of conscious experience, potentially leading to a scenario where machines are deemed conscious by IIT standards while remaining phenomenally empty.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that Integrated Information Theory's equation of consciousness with integrated information leads to the problematic conclusion that highly intelligent systems could be deemed non-conscious, revealing a conceptual flaw in the theory. |
Abstract
Intelligence Without Consciousness the Rise of the IIT Zombies