Intervening on the Causal Exclusion Problem for Integrated Information Theory
Minds and Machines 28 (2):331-351 (2018)
Abstract
In this paper, we examine the causal framework within which integrated information theory of consciousness makes it claims. We argue that, in its current formulation, IIT is threatened by the causal exclusion problem. Some proponents of IIT have attempted to thwart the causal exclusion problem by arguing that IIT has the resources to demonstrate genuine causal emergence at macro scales. In contrast, we argue that their proposed solution to the problem is damagingly circular as a result of inter-defining information and causation. As a solution, we propose that IIT should adopt the specific interventionist causal framework that we offer and show how IIT can harness this interventionist framework to avoid the causal exclusion problem. We demonstrate how our argument remains fully compatible with the methodology, empirical data, and conceptual aims of the theory.Author Profiles
DOI
10.1007/s11023-018-9456-7
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Citations of this work
Circumnavigating the causal pairing problem with hylomorphism and the integrated information theory of consciousness.Matthew Owen - 2021 - Synthese (S11):2829-2851.
Formal Causation in Integrated Information Theory: An Answer to the Intrinsicality Problem.Javier Sánchez-Cañizares - 2021 - Foundations of Science 27 (1):77-94.
References found in this work
Making Things Happen: A Theory of Causal Explanation.James Woodward - 2003 - Oxford University Press.
Mind in a physical world: An essay on the mind–body problem and mental causation.Jaegwon Kim - 1998 - MIT Press.
Every Thing Must Go: Metaphysics Naturalized.James Ladyman & Don Ross - 2007 - Oxford University Press.