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Integrated information theory does not make plant consciousness more convincing
Jon Mallatt1, Lincoln Taiz2, Andreas Draguhn3
1The University of Washington WWAMI Medical Education Program at the University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|January 24, 2021
Summary
This study critiques the idea of plant consciousness, arguing that Integrated Information Theory (IIT) does not support it. There is no empirical evidence for plant cognition or consciousness.
Area of Science:
- Plant science
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy of mind
Background:
- A minority view in plant science proposes that plants possess cognition and consciousness.
- This view is often supported by interpretations of theories like Integrated Information Theory (IIT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To present arguments against the notion of plant consciousness.
- To critique the application of Integrated Information Theory (IIT) in supporting plant consciousness claims.
Main Methods:
- Review of arguments against plant consciousness.
- Critique of a specific article (Calvo et al., 2020) that uses IIT for plant consciousness.
- Analysis of the assumptions and implications of IIT regarding consciousness in living and nonliving systems.
Main Results:
- Integrated Information Theory (IIT) does not restrict consciousness to living organisms.
- The assumptions that all cells are conscious and consciousness is confined to life are challenged by IIT.
- The use of IIT to support plant consciousness is found to be invalid.
Conclusions:
- Integrated Information Theory (IIT) cannot be used as evidence for plant consciousness.
- There is a lack of empirical evidence and support from neuron-based theories for plant consciousness.
- The claim of plant consciousness remains a minority view unsupported by current scientific frameworks.
Keywords:
Cellular consciousnessIntegrated information theory (IIT)Neurobiological naturalismPlant consciousnessPlant neurobiologyMore Related Videos
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