Mathematized phenomenology and the science of consciousness

Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 5, 2025

Language: Английский

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How to be an integrated information theorist without losing your body

Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 18

Published: Jan. 9, 2025

Integrated Information Theory 4.0 (IIT) is one of the leading frameworks in neuroscience consciousness (Consortium et al. 2023;A. K. Seth and Bayne 2022;Signorelli, Szczotka, Prentner 2021). It aims to explain by mathematically formalizing its relation causeeffect power existence, while employing computational tools investigate this experimentally (Zaeemzadeh Tononi 2024;Albantakis 2023;Ellia In principle, IIT can be used assess both level content any physical system, such as brain a comatose patient or under anesthesia (Albantakis 2023;Tononi 2016).More specifically, Concerning IIT's explanatory strategy, it conceives an intrinsic structure cause-effect powers, proposing that conscious system exists for itself maximally unitary whole, irreducible parts This formalized computationally analyzed terms several measures "integrated information". article, we focus specifically on maximal integrated information (□□ ! * ).This identify, among set candidate systems, one(s) supports consciousness, hence "exists itself" subjectively irreducibly. contrast, according assumptions, systems do not specify □□ , at best, only "exist" from perspective another entity, "truly exist" 2023;Koch 2024;Tononi 2022). way, measure conceptually tied absolute, form thus providing framework quantitatively address questions related ontology (i.e., about existence)that have been relegated centuries endless philosophical debates. At same time, acknowledge that, unlike familiar (like classical mechanics thermodynamics)which introduced progressive levels mathematical detail complexity (e.g., F = ma more advanced vectorial formulations), formalism remains comparatively opaque harder grasp.Nevertheless, still holds potential advance our understanding through means. But hindered some key theoretical-ontological assumptions relative existence) IIT, which lead problematic conceptual interpretation formalism, simulation results, hypothetical scenarios allowed theory make very (Cea, Negro, Signorelli 2024b;2023;2024a). underscores crucial role plays scientific theories formalisms. History shows reinterpreting samepre-existing formalisms advancement. For example, non-Euclidean geometry, developed Gauss later generalized Riemann into higher-dimensional spaces, was reinterpreted Einstein his general relativity describe curvature spacetime, addressing limitations Newtonian gravity, including assumption instantaneous transfer gravitational fieldsA notable example geometry: initially abstract theory, became foundation Einstein's when he spacetime (Renn 2007;Torretti 1996). While are far modest comparing work monumental achievements, reconsidering new might help current enhance concerning relationship between activity, ultimately, concept existence.In following, first introduce main principles (section 2), focusing formalization theory's proposed marker intrinsic, existence ), associated based ontological i) being, ii) true iii) iv)"Great Divide Being". Next 3), briefly why these troublesome motivate revision. commitments, they troublesome. Then 4),we propose specific amendments improve overall theoretical robustness thus, capacity issues perspective. We end with concluding remarks directions future research 5).Grounded purportedly essential properties experience "phenomenal axioms"), proposes six "postulates existence", which, define necessary sufficient conditions substrate instantiate consciousness. line Principle Being (PB), states "to power" al.2023, p. 11), postulates framed must satisfy: intrinsicality, information, iv) integration, v) exclusion, vi) composition.The then formalizes causal-physical applies them simulated neural networks substrates/systems) 1 . As anticipated, Wwe will quantity computes whole al., 2023;Marshall 2023) foot_1 .Mathematically, computed minimum substrate's cause # effect $ formalism: 2023, 17, Equations 19, 20 21) state transitions probabilistically states, but also differ because TPMs marginalize external influences internal causal relationships encode interventional, rather than purely observational probabilities. Thus, operationally tracked TPM corresponding unfolded (=conscious state) each time step. However, narrative, what truly happens subjective successively irreducibly, exists" (Tononi creates tension operational claims causality point critiqued other (Signorelli 2023). Many thanks reviewer pressing relevant points addressed below.□□ ,Conceptually, bBoth quantify difference partition makes, respect probability entire unpartitioned specifies past/cause ( (for future/effect given s. The greater cause/effect probabilities |□□) ← specified partitioned (evaluated logarithmic terms), hence, !foot_2 .Given endorses principle (PME), posits "what most" complex substrate) identified subset interconnected units within universe network below: Equation 24) where represents available iteration k, S denotes subset. achieving maximum value, selected iteration, consistent PME. Iteratively, once identified, removed search continues remaining identify next, non-overlapping, process ensures iterative search, "overlapping substrates ) therefore qualify additional besides brains, implies own bodies exist. merely exist objects observing them:j max -Í. □□) (Albantakis"since my body superset PSC [i.e., complex], excluded it-relegated realm entities relatively, observer" 2022, 8). 4 contrast common approaches prioritize input-output functions critical processes, targets explanatorily central i.e., how constitutive mechanisms affect dynamical evolution system. does clear boundaries defined interacting maximize value " compared overlapping subsets, receive/send input/output signals from/to outside boundaries, interactions system's Nonetheless, should somehow match environment perceptual experience, otherwise individual shared perception world different people would impossible. currently important limitation efforts ongoing (Mayner, Juel, Tononi, 2024). Additionally, provides, interventions state-transition analyses. practical limitations, particularly applying methods biological like human brain, remain significant. thank Reviewer points.5 From perspective, -maximal subjects experiencing their and, potentially, 2022;Cea, instance, region neuroscientist constitute genuine subject. turn, whether observed intrinsically existing subject object neuroscientist's depends possesses region.In previous works, examined implications radical t 2024a;2024b;2024c;2023;Signorelli, Cea, Here, direct reader literature further details.First, commitments create neuroscientific practice declared goal explaining terms: attempt if considered ontologically primitive, while, non-conscious entity deemed mind-dependent? (Signorelli, Second, seems entail existing, eliminated solely altering external, non-existent entities; engineered out nothing; phylogenetically originate nothing 2024b;2024a). Now, could prima facie invoking "ontological dust" 2022) ultimately composed minimally monads (indivisible units) (Hendren 2024).However, there problems latter 2024a;2024c). contradict 2024c), requires-to apply integration postulate-that valid partitions least two non-empty parts, possible Otherwise, computable such, has replaced insufficient 2024c).In sum, Great Being, along eliminativism regarding entities, raises 6 To concerns align better practice, minimal adjustments adopt realism, asserts non-□□ may power. revision allows reinterpretation no longer exclusionary existent just causally powerful acknowledged exist.In endorse realism overcome many sketched section, should: reject (PTE)(and Being) 4.1), modify (PME) 4.2), realistic, operational, being (PB) 4.3).6 Another issue relationship, entity? Different entities? Although difficult question, iIn argued length most plausible reduces □□-structure, turn inner experience. words, extrinsic view substrate, whose described-in scientific-theoretical terms-as □□-structure although primary directly observable third-person suggests scientifically represented Φ-structure, modeled stochastic network, Φ-structure derived analyses equations 57 58 Albantakis 2023 (p. 29)., althoughHowever, yet feasiblepractical actual biologicalrealistic systems,. due combinatorial explosions calculations, manipulations observations needed, making idealized few units. significant requires development (e.g. Zaeemzadeh (2024)) enable rigorous empirical testing IIT. Without this, 'testable principle'-a shortcoming seeks Nevertheless, Perturbational Complexity Index (PCI), inspired provided initial validation reliably estimating clinical settings (Massimini 2009;Casarotto again highlighting issue.According (hereafter "PTE", 2023), phenomenal "the worthhaving-what call existence" systematic defense PTE literature, core intuition true, absolute self-evident immediately known itself, condition conscious, meet: "consciousness -it absolutely" 9). Therefore, exist, itself.We worries intuition. First, rest necessity-sufficiency equivocation, conflating self-consciousness truth one's (inspired Cartesian ""cogito ergo sum"") (as implied PTE). One argue prove one''s stronger claim required idea ""entities themselves exist"" (a sufficiency claim), compatible entailing ""only necessity claim).Second, motivation stem epistemic-ontological equivocation.While knowing exists, reason knowledge inextricably existence. conflates epistemic fact-self-known (""existing itself"")-with fact itself""). see something know order cannot without stone doesn't existence?). short, "existing itself"(true imply (self-aware existence), former.In happy grant suffice existencefoot_3 claim) safely embrace assert certainty immediacy. phenomenological primacy position dialogue enactive approach neurophenomenological method, first-person foundational study mind (Varela 1996;Varela, Thompson, Rosch 2016;Signorelli, accept thesis "exist (phenomenally)" underlies "Great theorists aside theses open up possibility themselves, independently underlying PTE, 'Great Divide' relative, observer-dependent 'existence' attributed disappears.The full-blown all (non-□□ specifying)-but powerful-physical potentially resolve outlined, arise regarded technical specifying eitherboth non-maximal even (causeeffect power), genuinely, consciously.In analysis needs achieve ("PRB"), power". allow pursue methodology find complex) unfold structure, rejection mind-independent, elementary particles, molecules, brains bodies.Future types Being" overcome. positive values zero latter? Presumably, virtue having power, present emergence (Hoel, Albantakis, 2013;Mediano 2022;Hoel 2016).Additionally, explore integrate insights findings embodied approaches, non-neural body, 'existing' structurally dynamically intertwined (Thompson Cosmelli 2012; Thompson Varela 2001) fundamental origins capacities (Lakoff Nunez 2000) feeling root A. 2021; 2024; Damasio 2023; 2001; Cea Martínez-Pernía Ratcliffe 2020).

Language: Английский

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The Fundamental Tension in Integrated Information Theory 4.0’s Realist Idealism

Entropy, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 25(10), P. 1453 - 1453

Published: Oct. 16, 2023

Integrated Information Theory (IIT) is currently one of the most influential scientific theories consciousness. Here, we focus specifically on a metaphysical aspect theory's recent version (IIT 4.0), what may call its idealistic ontology, and tension with kind realism about external world that IIT also endorses. 4.0 openly rejects mainstream view consciousness generated by brain, positing instead ontologically primary while physical domain just "operational". However, this philosophical position presently underdeveloped not rigorously formulated in IIT, potentially leading to many misinterpretations undermining overall explanatory power. In present paper aim address issue. We argue IIT's ontology should be understood as specific combination phenomenal primitivism, reductionism regarding Φ-structures complexes, eliminativism non-conscious entities. Having clarified this, then problematic between simultaneous endorsement realism, according which there some reality independent our minds. After refuting three potential solutions theoretical tension, propose plausible alternative: understanding an assertion existence other experiences beyond one's own, non-solipsistic idealist realism. end concluding remarks future research avenues.

Language: Английский

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Multilayer networks as embodied consciousness interactions. A formal model approach

Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 28, 2024

Language: Английский

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Mathematized Phenomenology and the Science of Consciousness

Published: April 15, 2024

In this contribution, we emphasize the relevance of mathematical approaches to first-person perspective. We briefly discuss why is necessary and mathematics plays a special role when it comes integrating scientific (empirical) philosophical (theoretical) projects. also sketch some potential ways that could be used in phenomenology, based on selection four ``phenomenological primitives'' characterize constitution: intentionality, minimal subjectivity, lifeworld, time consciousness. spell out topological toymodel refer contemporary using modern (e.g. category theory). then how usefully applied (neuro)scientific study consciousness throughout stress need highlight (and formalize) phenomenology's transcendental character.

Language: Английский

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Category theory in consciousness science: going beyond the correlational project

Synthese, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 204(2)

Published: Aug. 5, 2024

Abstract We discuss the potential of applying category theory to study consciousness. first review a recent proposal from neurosciences consciousness illustrate “correlational project”, using integrated information as an example. then some technical preliminaries related categories and in particular notion functor, which carries bulk conceptual weight many current discussions. look at possible payoffs this project—getting grips with hard problem, integration, exploiting explanatory dualities—and avenues for further research, stressing need better develop categorical representation consciousness, its phenomenological structure. A understanding cannot be achieved by merely studying physical brain. By contrast, treatment even suggests application beyond domain neuroscience, example computer science artificial intelligence while also emphasizing primacy (phenomenal) experience.

Language: Английский

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The Fundamental Tension in Integrated Information Theory 4.0’s Realist Idealism

Published: Sept. 7, 2023

Integrated Information Theory (IIT) is currently one of the most influential scientific theories consciousness. Here, we focus specifically on a metaphysical aspect theory’s recent version (IIT 4.0), what may call its idealistic ontology, and tension with kind realism about external world that IIT also endorses. 4.0 openly rejects mainstream view consciousness generated by brain, positing instead ontologically primary while physical domain just “operational”. However, this philosophical position presently underdeveloped not rigorously formulated in IIT, potentially leading to many misinterpretations undermining overall explanatory power. In present paper aim address issue. We argue IIT’s ontology should be understood as specific combination phenomenal primitivism, reductionism regarding Φ-structures complexes, eliminativism non-conscious entities. Having clarified this, then problematic between simultaneous endorsement according which there some reality independent our minds. After refuting three potential solutions theoretical tension, propose plausible alternative: understanding asserting existence other experiences beyond my own, non-solipsistic idealist realism. end concluding remarks future research avenues.

Language: Английский

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Applying category theory to the study of consciousness?

Published: Dec. 27, 2022

What are the potential uses and misuses of applying category theory to study consciousness? We first review a recent proposal from neurosciences consciousness illustrate general approach using integrated information consciousness. then propose possible avenues for further research, importantly also stressing need better develop categorical representation consciousness, in particular its phenomenological structure. A understanding cannot be achieved by merely studying physical brain. By contrast, treatment suggests application domain computer science artificial intelligence research while emphasizing primacy (first-personal) experience.

Language: Английский

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