Facing up to the Hard Problem of Consciousness as an Integrated Information Theorist
Robert Chis-Ciure, Francesco Ellia
Foundations of Science January 3, 2021 DOI: 10.1007/s10699-020-09724-7 (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 the Hard Problem of consciousness can be split into a core problem and a layered hard problem, the latter essentially connected to Chalmers' conceivability argument. The authors contend that integrated information theory resists conceivability scenarios and is equipped to confront the hard problem in its broadest sense. |
Abstract
In this paper we provide a philosophical analysis of the Hard Problem of consciousness and the implications of conceivability scenarios for current neuroscientific research. In particular, we focus on one of the most prominent neuroscientific theories of consciousness, integrated information theory (IIT). After a brief introduction on IIT, we present Chalmers’ original formulation and propose our own layered view of the hard problem, showing how 2 separate issues can be distinguished. More specifically, we argue that it’s possible to disentangle a core problem of consciousness from a layered hard problem, the latter being essentially connected to Chalmers’ conceivability argument. We then assess the relation between the Hard Problem and IIT, showing how the theory resists conceivability scenarios, and how it is equipped to face up to the hard problem in its broadest acceptation.
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Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Consciousness science and constitutive a priori principles: on the fundamental identity of integrated information theory Philosophical Explorations September 2, 2025
- Explanation, scope, and perspective: sources of schismogenesis in consciousness science. Trends in Cognitive Sciences April 7, 2026
- The transcendental deduction of Integrated Information Theory: connecting the axioms, postulates, and identity through categories Synthese May 24, 2022
- Consciousness and complexity: Neurobiological naturalism and integrated information theory. Consciousness and Cognition April 1, 2022
- Refuting the unfolding-argument on the irrelevance of causal structure to consciousness. Consciousness and Cognition October 1, 2021
and 3 more in the library
Cites 11
- An information integration theory of consciousness BMC Neuroscience November 2, 2004
- Neural correlates of consciousness: progress and problems Nature Reviews Neuroscience April 20, 2016
- A Theoretically Based Index of Consciousness Independent of Sensory Processing and Behavior Science Translational Medicine August 14, 2013
- Integrated Information in Discrete Dynamical Systems: Motivation and Theoretical Framework PLoS Computational Biology June 12, 2008
- Cortical reactivity and effective connectivity during REM sleep in humans Cognitive Neuroscience July 1, 2010
and 6 more in the library