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The mathematics of consciousness: What is the core secret of integrated information theory?
With the advancement of technology and neuroscience, the nature of consciousness remains one of the focal points of discussion in human philosophy and science. In this discussion about consciousness, Integrated Information Theory (IIT) provides a new perspective. The originator of this theory, Giulio Tononi, a neuroscientist at the University of California, proposed a method to explain system consciousness through mathematical models in 2004. According to IIT, consciousness is not simply the result of the workings of matter, but is closely connected with its causal properties.
IIT challenges our fundamental understanding of consciousness, attempting to uncover why certain physical systems, such as the human brain, are conscious.
The core idea of IIT is that the texture of consciousness (subjective experience) and the causal properties of a system (objectivity) are interdependent. Therefore, to explain the conscious experience of a physical system, its causal capacity must be fully revealed. An important task of IIT is to define the "basic properties of our experience", which are called "axioms", and then derive the necessary properties of conscious physical systems, which are called "hypotheses".
The “Hard Problems” of ConsciousnessThe "hard problem" posed by world-renowned philosopher David Chalmers points out that any attempt to explain consciousness in a purely physical way will encounter obstacles. In contrast, IIT acknowledges the existence of our own consciousness and attempts to deduce the necessary physical basis to support the emergence of consciousness. This transition from phenomenology to mechanisms is reflected in IIT's attempt to identify the essential properties of conscious experience, which in turn correspond to the structure of physical systems.
IIT's theory holds that the existence of consciousness is not necessarily derived from the laws of physics, but requires a suitable physical structure to be realized.
Institutional expansion and challenges
Although IIT has attracted much attention in the study of human consciousness, the computational complexity of its mathematical model makes itsΦ (integrated information amount) computationally difficult even for systems of moderate size. It became almost unmanageable. Therefore, researchers have worked hard to find more practical proxy measurements to approximate Φ. However, these proxy measurements have not yet demonstrated a relationship with the actual corresponding Φ values, which undoubtedly increases the difficulty of their interpretation.
One notable study focused on the activity of populations of neurons in fruit flies, showing that Φ could be successfully computed for certain neural datasets. This means that the predictions of IIT can be tested experimentally, as shown by the significant reduction in Φ when animals are anesthetized.
Integration of experiment and theory
In subsequent studies, researchers have attempted to use measures of information integration and differentiation to assess the levels of consciousness of various subjects. A recent study successfully distinguished between different levels of consciousness, including wakefulness, sleep (dreaming and non-dreaming), anesthesia, and coma, using less computationally intensive proxy measurements.
IIT could also explain why certain brain regions, such as the cerebellum, appear to contribute little to consciousness, despite their importance in size and function.
Voices of support and opposition
Despite certain experimental successes, IIT has also faced criticism from various quarters. The influential philosopher John Searle once pointed out that IIT's theory implies panpsychism. He believed that the theory's claims lacked conceptual clarity and did not have the necessary scientific significance. However, other scholars point out that Searle's interpretation is inaccurate and misunderstands the core concept of IIT.
Many researchers in recent years have questioned the application of IIT in the field of consciousness when analyzing the relationship between physical systems and consciousness.
Future Exploration
Although IIT faces many challenges, its prospects in consciousness research are still promising. As technology improves and new experimental methods emerge, there will likely be more empirical studies to prove or disprove this theory. Regardless of the final conclusion of IIT, it undoubtedly advances our thinking about the nature of consciousness and even helps to unravel the complex and mysterious connection between the brain and consciousness.
Will we be able to uncover the deeper mathematical secrets behind consciousness in the days ahead?
