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I see. I think that level of analysis is still on the level of IIT with some if its limitations. It's analyzing qualia from its aggregated effects and features,
by proc0 1y ago
I see. I think that level of analysis is still on the level of IIT with some if its limitations. It's analyzing qualia from its aggregated effects and features, rather than a concrete explanation of how it arises and what it is exactly.
As far as meditation, it has a function but it's indirect, since it aims to suppress thought. The point here is that there is a way to get rid of all functions but still have qualia, which means qualia must be orthogonal or separate to any function of the brain. And that's just one example. I think there would also need to be an explanation why it is that NOT all brain function produces qualia. There are a lot of subconscious states that are also functional and useful for survival but we have no awareness of. This leads directly to philosophical zombies that don't have any qualia but see plausible if we approach consciousness with functionalism.
- NetRunnerSu 1y agoInteresting points, proc0. I agree that getting concrete about consciousness is key. Regarding meditation, IPWT actually posits that states like 'emptiness' aren't functionless, but involve a dynamic restructuring of high-level information integration within the DMN/ECN. It's about optimizing predictive integrity by suppressing noisy sensory input, not a void of function. Honestly, if meditation truly achieved functionless qualia, humanity would have transcended mere existence by now! As for qualia being orthogonal to function or why not all brain activity is conscious: IPWT’s latest version directly tackles this. Qualia arise specifically from information that undergoes deep synergistic integration in DMN 'gateways' and is then broadcast by ECN 'broadcasters' to form a 'Dominant Neural Workspace Instance'. Subconscious processes, while functional, simply don't reach this specific integration/broadcast threshold for subjective experience, which neatly sidesteps the 'philosophical zombie' conundrum. More details in our latest paper: https://zenodo.org/records/15720913 https://zenodo.org/records/15720913