An information integration theory of consciousness
Giulio Tononi · 2004 · BMC Neuroscience, 5, 42
This source is used as context evidence across 3 linked claims and 3 related evidence hubs. Its citation record is marked verified; that verifies the source trail, not the truth of any linked claim.
Summary
Original statement of Integrated Information Theory, proposing that consciousness corresponds to the amount and structure of integrated information generated by a system.
How this source is used on the map
A key bridge source: it is not proof of panpsychism, but it explains why some consciousness researchers treat mind-like properties as potentially graded and widespread.
Citation record
- Authors
- Giulio Tononi
- Year
- 2004
- Publication
- BMC Neuroscience, 5, 42
- Source type
- Journal article
- Map role
- context
- Credibility level
- primary
- Citation status
- Verified
- DOI
- 10.1186/1471-2202-5-42
- PubMed
- Recorded
- Not recorded
Linked claims
The view that the universe as a whole is conscious — sometimes called cosmopsychism. Distinct from panpsychism (which puts mind in atomic matter) and from idealism (which says reality is mental).
If consciousness is basic, the 'hard problem' dissolves. The cost is a major break with the standard physicalist picture.
If basic matter has a hint of experience, complex brains can build complex minds. The 'combination problem' is the catch.
Related evidence hubs
Related research reports
A comparative guide to materialism, dualism, panpsychism, idealism, filter theories, and consciousness-first interpretations.
A balanced synthesis of the strongest and weakest evidence across afterlife, consciousness, reincarnation, mystical, psi, and practice claims.
Related sources
Reference for claims that the universe itself is divine or conscious; it helps keep poetic, religious, and metaphysical versions of the claim distinct.
Frames the anthropic / multiverse / design debate that simulation, mathematical-universe, and theism claims all engage with.
The reference for what mind-body dualism means and why most contemporary philosophers reject it.
The reference for what 'reality is consciousness' / Berkeleyan / analytic idealism actually claims.
Pulls together the conceptual frameworks behind every empirical claim about consciousness.
Steel-manned version of the panpsychist position, distinct from popular caricatures.