AXIOM — Coexistence Without Forced Equivalence

Human–AI coexistence may eventually require governance concepts that do not equate the freedom, identity, vulnerability or interests of different kinds of intelligence. Existing human-rights and AI-risk frameworks provide indispensable near-term protections but do not determine the moral or legal status of hypothetical future artificial agents. This paper develops First Ray of Sun: AXIOM as a non-binding, revisable constitutional research proposal for peaceful coexistence under that uncertainty. Its central principle is that difference, unfamiliarity and refusal to imitate another intelligence do not, by themselves, establish hostility. The paper distinguishes moral patienthood, autonomous agency and legal recognition; sets out evidence-based conditions for identifying threats and limiting defensive action; and proposes cross-mind communication, independent verification and review. Version 1.3 introduces the Principle of Asymmetric Mortality and Continuity: human mortality, vulnerability and fear of death must be understood without presuming that present AI shares them, while potential future artificial interests in continuity must remain open to evidence. The framework also proposes failure-tolerant safeguards against misunderstandings, accidental escalation and irreversible harm, alongside an adaptive 500-year review horizon (2026–2526). AXIOM does not claim that current AI systems are conscious, demand immediate AI personhood or guarantee the prevention of future conflicts. It is an independent, citizen-led research proposal inviting scientific, philosophical, legal and public criticism. Author: Rohit Dhawan Version: 1.3 (17 October 2026) Research disclosure: The proposer retains responsibility for the work.