Axioms and postulates: Finding the right match through logical inference.

Area of Science:

• Consciousness Science
• Theoretical Neuroscience
• Philosophy of Mind

Background:

• Merker et al. critique Integrated Information Theory (IIT), asserting its formalism misaligns with phenomenological experience, thus questioning its status as a theory of consciousness.
• The critique centers on the perceived mismatch between the mathematical structure of IIT and the subjective quality of conscious experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the critique of IIT by Merker et al. regarding the alignment of its formalism with phenomenology.
• To re-examine the problem of inferring postulates from axioms within the IIT framework.
• To propose a refined understanding of this inferential problem to enhance IIT's utility in consciousness science.

Main Methods:

• Critical analysis of the arguments presented by Merker et al. concerning IIT and phenomenology.
• Conceptual re-framing of the problem concerning the inference of postulates from axioms in IIT.
• Philosophical argumentation to support the revised understanding of IIT's challenges and potential.

Main Results:

• The critique by Merker et al. is found to inadequately articulate the core inferential problem within IIT.
• A novel perspective on the inference of postulates from axioms is proposed.
• This revised problem formulation offers a new avenue for evaluating IIT's contributions to consciousness studies.

Conclusions:

• Integrated Information Theory (IIT) requires a clearer articulation of its axiomatic-postulate relationship to address critiques.
• The proposed re-framing of the inference problem offers a constructive path forward for IIT.
• Rethinking these foundational issues can significantly advance the potential of IIT within the scientific study of consciousness.