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Is the neuroscientist's grandmother in the notebook? Integrated information and reference frames in the search for consciousness.

Giuseppe Riva

Behavioral and Brain Sciences March 23, 2022 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x21001849 (opens in new tab)

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Characteristics Commentary Peer reviewed
Key points Argues that the physical substrate of integrated information depends on the reference frame used to observe it, and contends that neglecting reference frames causes problems for consciousness research. A thought experiment about a neuroscientist Zooming with his grandmother from a closed room illustrates that one cannot demonstrate her consciousness is in the PC.

Abstract

This commentary suggests that the physical substrate of integrated information is dependent on the reference frame used to observe it. Furthermore, it uses a thought experiment - can a neuroscientist, locked in a closed room and connected through Zoom with his grandmother to demonstrate that the consciousness of his grannie is NOT in the PC? - to underline the problems that neglecting reference frames may cause to consciousness research.

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