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Informational structures: A dynamical system approach for integrated information
Francisco J Esteban1, Javier A Galadí2, José A Langa2
1Department of Experimental Biology, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain.
Plos Computational Biology
|September 14, 2018
Summary
Integrated Information Theory (IIT) offers a mathematical framework for consciousness. This study introduces a continuous space-time version of integrated information, defining an Informational Structure to measure consciousness levels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Theoretical Physics
- Computational Neuroscience
- Philosophy of Mind
Background:
- Integrated Information Theory (IIT) is a leading framework for understanding consciousness.
- IIT posits that conscious experience is an informational structure that is integrated and irreducible.
- The theory allows for an abstract, mathematical formulation of consciousness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a space-time continuous version of integrated information.
- To define an Informational Structure within a dynamical system framework.
- To develop a measure for the level of integrated information.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing graph and dynamical systems theory.
- Defining an Informational Structure associated with a system's global attractor.
- Analyzing the structure through invariants and transition probability matrices.
Main Results:
- An Informational Structure is defined for a given mechanism and state.
- This structure possesses informational properties and cause-effect power via an Informational Field.
- A measure for integrated information level is developed based on the structure's properties.
Conclusions:
- The proposed continuous space-time framework extends IIT.
- The Informational Structure provides a quantifiable measure of integrated information.
- This approach offers a novel way to study the physical basis of consciousness.
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