Beyond Accommodation: on the Structural Turn in Computational Functionalist Theories of Consciousness
Francesco Ellia, Naotsugu Tsuchiya
PsyArXiv April 29, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/qc5ty_v2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that although Fleming and Shea's structural turn in computational functionalist theories of consciousness is welcome, many of their insights were previously predicted by Integrated Information Theory, and questions whether their claims are coherent within functionalism, emphasizing the need to separate genuine predictions from post-hoc accommodations. |
Abstract
This commentary engages with Fleming and Shea's (2024) 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 (IIT). 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.