Consciousness as Temporal Integration: A Lyapunov-Stable Free Energy Model
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51094/jxiv.1651Keywords:
free energy principle, Lyapunov stability, consciousness model, prediction error, safe feedback, dynamical systemsAbstract
We present a three-layer dynamical model that embeds conscious observation and intention as safe feedback on top of a free-energy gradient flow. The plant (latent state) descends variational free energy; an observer integrates prediction-error directions; an intention term feeds back a small-gain modulation that cannot overturn the natural free-energy descent. We prove Lyapunov stability (and ISS under bounded disturbances), discuss the relation to Friston’s variational free energy, and articulate ethical guardrails by design. This is a mathematically abstract framework; no human or biological data are used. Simulated experiments demonstrate that the observer variable O(t) exhibits behavioral signatures characteristic of conscious processing, including temporal delay, persistence, and selective attention.
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Submitted: 2025-10-13 11:37:14 UTC
Published: 2025-10-17 05:20:20 UTC
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Jun Sakai
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