Abstract The integrated information theory (IIT) is one of the most influential scientific theories of consciousness. It functions as a guiding framework for a great deal of research into the neural basis of consciousness and for attempts to develop a consciousness meter. In light of these developments, it is important to examine whether its foundations are secure. This article does just that by examining the axiomatic method that the architects of IIT appeal to. I begin by asking what exactly the axiomatic method involves, arguing that it is open to multiple interpretations. I then examine the five axioms of IIT, asking: what each axiom means, whether it is indeed axiomatic and whether it could constrain a theory of consciousness. I argue that none of the five alleged axioms is able to play the role that is required of it, either because it fails to qualify as axiomatic or because it fails to impose a substantive constraint on a theory of consciousness. The article concludes by briefly sketching an alternative methodology for the science of consciousness: the natural kind approach.

中文翻译：

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论意识综合信息论的公理基础

摘要集成信息理论（IIT）是最有影响力的意识科学理论之一。它充当了对意识的神经基础进行大量研究以及开发意识计的指导框架。鉴于这些发展，重要的是要检查其基础是否牢固。本文正是通过研究IIT架构师所呼吁的公理方法来做到这一点的。首先，我要问公理方法到底涉及什么，并认为它可以接受多种解释。然后，我研究IIT的五个公理，并询问：每个公理是什么意思，它是否确实是公理的，是否可以约束意识理论。我认为，五个所谓的公理都无法发挥其必要的作用，要么是因为它没有资格成为公理主义者，要么是因为它没有对意识理论施加实质性的约束。本文通过简要地勾勒出意识科学的另一种方法论：自然友善法。