An evaluation of the Integrated Information Theory against some central problems of consciousness
2015 (English)Independent thesis Basic level (degree of Bachelor), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
This thesis evaluates the integrated information theory (IIT) by looking at how it may answer
some central problems of consciousness that the author thinks any theory of consciousness
should be able to explain. The problems concerned are the mind-body problem, the hard
problem, the explanatory gap, the binding problem, and the problem of objectively detecting
consciousness. The IIT is a computational theory of consciousness thought to explain the rise
of consciousness. First the mongrel term consciousness is defined to give a clear idea of what
is meant by consciousness in this thesis; followed by a presentation of the IIT, its origin, main
ideas, and some implications of the theory. Thereafter the problems of consciousness will be
presented, and the explanation the IIT gives will be investigated. In the discussion, some not
perviously—in the thesis—discussed issues regarding the theory will be lifted. The author
finds the IIT to hold explanations to each of the problems discussed. Whether the
explanations are satisfying is questionable.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2015. , p. 63
Keywords [en]
integrated information theory, phenomenal consciousness, subjective experience, mind-body, the hard problem, binding, testing
National Category
Neurosciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:his:diva-11659OAI: oai:DiVA.org:his-11659DiVA, id: diva2:866845
Subject / course
Cognitive Neuroscience
Educational program
Consciousness Studies - Philosophy and Neuropsychology
Presentation
2015-08-25, 15:30 (English)
Supervisors
Examiners
2015-12-152015-11-032018-01-10Bibliographically approved