Beyond Correlates: Toward a Phenomenological Model of Fundamental Awareness. Introducing the IRAD Framework

Contemporary consciousness science excels at identifying neural correlates but stumbles before the"Hard Problem" — the explanatory gap between objective brain processes and subjective experience. This paper proposes a paradigm shift: instead of seeking to reduce consciousness to physics, I postulate it as fundamental. I introduce the IRAD framework — a phenomenological model describing Fundamental Awareness (F) as a function of four irreducible, orthogonal dimensions: Pure Intentionality (I), Universal Resonance (R), Unconditional Acceptance (A), and Non-Temporal Depth (D). I argue that states described as "non-dual awareness" or "flow" represent local maxima of F. The paper outlines the theoretical basis of IRAD, distinguishes it from existing models (e.g., Integrated Information Theory), and proposes a multi-method research program for its operationalization and validation. IRAD reframes the question from "How does the brain generate experience?" to "How does a biological interface tune into fundamental consciousness?"