What does this research mean for the field?

Consciousness can be understood as a layered, state-based architecture that integrates motivational drives, inhibitory control, and temporal structure, applicable to biological and artificial systems. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.ESTABLISHES_NEW_DIRECTION.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to present a unified, state-based architecture of consciousness without relying on metaphysical or essentialist views.

March 12, 2026Open Access

The Architecture of Consciousness: A State‑Based Model of Drives, Inhibition, Identity, Collapse, and Temporal Structure

Key Points

The aim is to present a unified, state-based architecture of consciousness without relying on metaphysical or essentialist views.
Integrates insights from cognitive science, neuroscience, and systems theory.
Develops a layered framework outlining key components of consciousness such as drives and identity boundaries.
Analyzes existing research on inhibitory processes and predictive models related to consciousness.
Describes consciousness as a structural state dependent on coherence and inhibitory control.
Highlights the model's applicability to biological, artificial, and hypothetical non-biological intelligences.

Abstract

This paper presents a unified, state‑based architecture of consciousness that avoids metaphysics, biological essentialism, and anthropocentric assumptions. Integrating insights from cognitive science, neuroscience, systems theory, and the author’s original frameworks, the model describes consciousness as a layered system composed of motivational drives (Will), inhibitory override (Freedom‑from‑Will), hierarchical state‑space organisation (WSM), collapse/reset dynamics (NRS), subjective temporal geometry (DotTime), and identity boundaries (DotBoundary). Supported by research on inhibition, predictive processing, and identity continuity, the framework treats consciousness as a structural state a system enters when coherence, modelling capacity, and inhibitory control are present. The result is a vessel‑neutral architecture applicable to biological organisms, artificial systems, and hypothetical non‑biological intelligences.

The Architecture of Consciousness: A State‑Based Model of Drives, Inhibition, Identity, Collapse, and Temporal Structure

Key Points

Abstract

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