What is consciousness? Scientists question ‘pseudo-scientific’ theory

Science has already discovered some of the most important information about the universe we live in, but many answers from different fields of science are still missing. For example, Current researchers have not yet found many details about the origin of human consciousness; So far we have no idea whether consciousness is something larger or just a structure of all the experiences we have throughout life.

In June 2023, at the 26th annual meeting of the Association for Scientific Research in Consciousness in New York, groups of researchers published inconclusive results on two different theories that could help explain more about consciousness.. The first was called “integrated information theory” and the second was called “global workplace theory”. After reading the results, many scientists were divided.

In the last month, A group of 124 scientists and philosophers who study human consciousness published an open letter criticizing integrated information theory. — including leading researchers in their fields. They claim that the study is based on pseudoscience and should not be taken seriously.

While some researchers support the open letter, others point out that this attitude is a disadvantage for the scientific community. As they explain, it’s completely normal to disagree with or support integrated information theory, but calling it pseudoscience could be a big problem for the scientific community.

IIT has many problems. but “pseudoscience” is like dropping a nuclear bomb on a regional dispute. It is disproportionate, not supported by good logic, and causes massive collateral damage to the field far beyond IIT. As in Vietnam: “We had to destroy the area to save it.”

— David Chalmers (@davidchalmers42) September 18, 2023

“IIT (integrated information theory) has many problems, but ‘pseudoscience’ is like dropping a nuclear bomb on a regional dispute. It is disproportionate, lacks good supporting justification, and causes massive, collateral damage in the field far beyond the IIT. As in Vietnam: ‘we had to destroy the countryside to save it,’ Australian philosopher David John Chalmers said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Theories on the origin of consciousness

Although the work was presented in June 2023, integrated information theory was first proposed by Italian neuroscientist Giulio Tononi in 2004. Almost 20 years after the first drafts, the theory has already reached its fourth version and attempts to explain how human consciousness arises.

Since it is a comprehensive and scientific study, its explanation is not that simple, but in short: Integrated information theory proposes that consciousness functions as an integrated information system, capable of assimilating interconnected information within this system. Moreover, Tononi argues that the perception of reality is unique, that is, It would not be possible for two consciousnesses to experience the world in the same way.

The theory suggests that even the simplest systems in nature are part of this integrated network of consciousness; In fact, networks of inactive computer circuits may be part of the same conscious structure described.

Meanwhile, the theory of spherical space was first proposed by Bernard Baars in 1988. He theorizes that consciousnesses are in a global field that acts as a processor for all conscious beings. In other words, in addition to taking place directly in the brain of each individual, it will also be shared with all other perceptions of reality in the universe.

The pseudoscience of integrated knowledge

The open letter criticizing the theory has three main criticisms:

• First, he notes that this is not the main theory in the field and has received more attention than it should.
• In the second, scientists express concern about the theory’s impact on people’s lives; for example, it can affect stem cell studies, animal testing, and even debates about abortion.
• Third, the letter points out that the theory is pseudoscience, which provokes a lot of criticism.

“These claims have been widely considered uncontroversial, unscientific, ‘magic’ or a ‘deviation from science as we know it.’ Given its panpsychist commitments, until the theory as a whole—not just a few unimportantly selected ancillary components shared by others or already known to be true—becomes empirically testable, We think the pseudoscience label should really be applied. Unfortunately, given recent events and increased public interest, correcting this problem has become especially necessary,” 124 scientists wrote in an open letter.

What is pseudoscience?

The term pseudoscience is commonly used to: It describes thoughts, practices, and beliefs that claim to be scientific but lack the ability to provide empirical evidence or apply scientific methods. about such information. For example, astrology, homeopathy, numerology and creationism are considered pseudoscientific subjects.

According to the letter, one of the ‘problems’ the theory could promote is the debate about abortion, which has no real scientific basis. For example, the study suggests that human fetuses in the early stages of development are likely conscious; In any case, neither theory has ‘confirmed’ that the emergence of consciousness occurs before the 26th week of pregnancy; So, in addition to affecting the scientific field, this claim could also cause turmoil in political and religious movements.

In an article on the website SpeechTim Bayne, professor of philosophy at Monash University (Australia), notes: It is not practically possible to test any theory of conscience, so there is no justification for treating the theory as pseudoscience. In addition to being false, the accusation may also be unfair to some in the scientific community.

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