Is Integrated Information Theory as explained by Christof Koch the answer to the mind-brain mystery?
Raising questions on the coherence and consistency of the most popular explanation of the mystery of consciousness: Integrated Information Theory (IIT)
Image of Christof Koch: Allen Institute for Brain Science. Chief scientist Christof Koch is an enthusiastic proponent of Integrated Information Theory (IIT) which appears to be emerging as a leading candidate for an explanation of the mind-brain mystery. His book The Feeling of Life Itself: Why Consciousness is Widespread by Can’t Be Computed is a mostly accessible explanation of this theory which suggests consciousness is measurable. But, is it a physicalist bottom-up theory or does it depend on a top-down foundation? We ask this and other questions here in an attempt to better understand and evaluate this popular idea.
The fundamental question raised in this Top-Down or Bottom-Up series is whether or not conscious experience is produced by the physical matter…
Is consciousness produced by the physical material of the brain or is it “something more?” The issue is a major dividing line between physicalists and anti-physicalists with big implications for our culture and values.
