Consciousness science and constitutive a priori principles: on the fundamental identity of integrated information theory

This paper connects Integrated Information Theory (IIT) of consciousness to Immanuel Kant's philosophy by arguing that the theory's core identity between an experience and its Φ-structure is a constitutive a priori principle, not an empirical hypothesis. Drawing on Michael Friedman's defense of similar principles in physics, the author shows how this principle enables applying mathematical formalism to phenomenology, gives empirical meaning to concepts, and allows scientific testing of predictions. The paper advocates using this neo-Kantian approach to strengthen the epistemological foundations of other mathematical theories of consciousness, making them more transparent and empirically tractable.

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Abstract

This paper links mathematical consciousness science, particularly Integrated Information Theory (IIT), to Immanuel Kant's philosophy. Skeptics of IIT's theoretical foundation often target its fundamental identity between an experience and Φ-structure. My account brings in the Kantian notion that this identity is a constitutive a priori principle and responds to some objections by drawing on Michael Friedman's defense of similar principles in spacetime physics. As constitutive a priori, the 〈Experience =Φ-structure〉 principle serves various intra-theory functions: (i) enables the application of the intrinsic information formalism to the axioms' phenomenology; (ii) gives empirical meaning to phenomenological concepts; (iii) ensures the possibility of scientific assessment of theory's predictions and explanations; (iv) constructs the theory's explanandum: consciousness as structured, maximally irreducible, specific, intrinsic cause-effect power; and (v) makes possible other a priori explanatory principles. Generalizing beyond IIT, this paper advocates for using constitutive apriority tools to refine the epistemological foundations of other mathematical and scientific consciousness theories. Leveraging the neo-Kantian philosophy of consciousness science research program, it highlights the potential for connecting phenomenological descriptions, physical principles, and mathematical formalism to render current theories more transparent, rigorous, and empirically tractable – a move toward a more mature consciousness science.