The Reasonable Ineffectiveness of Mathematics in Neuroscience

Abstract

One of the leading theories about consciousness is Integrated Information Theory (IIT) which presents a mathematical equation that will calculate a Φ value based on probability distributions of the brain as a whole and its various regions that perform different functions. This Φ value then generates a multi-dimensional shape in a hypothetical space called qualia space which actually defines our conscious experience. As its name suggests IIT relies heavily on the reasoning that led to information theory and digital computing and telecommunications. It is argued that as numbers do not exist in Nature it is impossible for an organic brain to perform as a digital computer. However electromagnetic radiation (EMR) does exist in Nature and EMR is capable of communicating information. A theory is presented that information in the brain is communicated via brainwaves at the speed of light and that the brain is in fact an electronic device that acts as an analog computer.