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Physical integration: A causal account for consciousness

Institute "GP Fabris", IULM University, via Carlo Bo, 8, 20143 Milano, Italy

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Department of Chemical, Management, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 90128, Palermo, Italy

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https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219635214400044Cited by:5 (Source: Crossref)

Abstract

The issue of integration in neural networks is intimately connected with that of consciousness. In this paper, integration as an effective level of physical organization is contrasted with a methodological integrative approach. Understanding how consciousness arises out of neural processes requires a model of integration in just causal physical terms. Based on a set of feasible criteria (physical grounding, causal efficacy, no circularity and scaling), a causal account of physical integration for consciousness centered on joint causation is outlined.

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