Escaping from the IIT Munchausen method: Re-establishing the scientific method in the study of consciousness

Abstract

Integrated information theory (IIT) is an example of "ironic science" and obstructs the scientific study of consciousness. By confusing the ontological status of a method to quantify network complexity with that of a theory of consciousness, IIT has to square the circle and spirals toward its panpsychism conclusion. I analyze the consequences of this fallacy and suggest how the study of consciousness can be brought back into the realm of rational, empirical science.