Text 1: Neuroscientist Tan argues that consciousness is generated by integrated information processing in the brain. Following Integrated Information Theory, she claims that any system whose parts share rich causal interactions — including, in principle, sufficiently complex machines — would necessarily be conscious. The theory provides a quantitative measure of consciousness applicable across substrates.
Text 2: Philosopher Ruiz finds the theory mathematically appealing but empirically untethered. The proposed measure, he argues, has never been calculated for any actual brain; the entities Integrated Information Theory predicts to be conscious — including grids of logic gates — strain credulity. A theory that calls XOR circuits conscious is generating predictions, but not predictions worth accepting.
Based on the texts, how would Ruiz (Text 2) most likely respond to Tan's claim?
- A
He would deny that integrated information can be measured in principle.
- Bcheck_circle
He would accept the theory's mathematical form while questioning its empirical and intuitive credibility.
- C
He would agree that XOR circuits are conscious.
- D
He would argue that consciousness has nothing to do with information.
Explanation
Ruiz finds the math appealing but the predictions implausible. B captures his targeted skepticism. A reverses his position; C and D overstate.