Beyond accommodation: on the structural turn in computational functionalist theories of consciousness

This commentary engages with recent work on computational functionalist theories of consciousness through a structural lens. We address three key aspects: the role of subjective experience in theory building, the hypothesis regarding local lateral connectivity in sensory areas, and the implications of "silent units" for consciousness. We argue that while their structural turn is welcome, many of their insights were previously predicted by Integrated Information Theory. We question the coherence of these claims within the functionalist paradigm and emphasize the importance of distinguishing genuine predictions from post-hoc accommodations in consciousness science.

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Publication Details

Journal
Neuroscience of Consciousness
Published
2025-01-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1093/nc/niaf014
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Embodied and Extended Cognition
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.43

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article

Beyond accommodation: on the structural turn in computational functionalist theories of consciousness

Francesco Ellia, Naotsugu Tsuchiya
1 citations
Neuroscience of Consciousness
Embodied and Extended Cognition
1.43
article

Beyond accommodation: on the structural turn in computational functionalist theories of consciousness

Francesco Ellia, Naotsugu Tsuchiya
article en
1 citations

Abstract

This commentary engages with recent work on computational functionalist theories of consciousness through a structural lens. We address three key aspects: the role of subjective experience in theory building, the hypothesis regarding local lateral connectivity in sensory areas, and the implications of "silent units" for consciousness. We argue that while their structural turn is welcome, many of their insights were previously predicted by Integrated Information Theory. We question the coherence of these claims within the functionalist paradigm and emphasize the importance of distinguishing genuine predictions from post-hoc accommodations in consciousness science.

Neuroscience of ConsciousnessVol. 2025(1)
Monash University (AU), National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (JP)
Medical Research Council, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Openalex Percentile: Top 19%
Embodied and Extended Cognition
1.43
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Beyond accommodation: on the structural turn in computational functionalist theories of consciousness — Francesco Ellia, Naotsugu Tsuchiya · Neuroscience of Consciousness (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS