Abstracts Philosophy, Religion, and Theology

The Integrated Information Theory of consciousness: a philosophical assessment

by NICCOLO NEGRO

The relation between consciousness and the physical world remains one of the big open questions of science. The integrated information theory (IIT) provides a unique and influential solution to this long-standing issue. In this thesis, I provide a neuroscientifically informed, comprehensive philosophical assessment of IIT. I assess its strengths and weaknesses without dismissing its own assumptions and without uncritically accepting its conclusions. I critically examine IIT’s epistemological foundations, its arguments, and its metaphysical implications. This thesis argues that IIT is a legitimate effort to explain consciousness, but it also faces multiple problems. I suggest ways to move the debate forward.