How layered consciousness emerges remains one of the central unanswered questions in consciousness studies. While many theories describe consciousness as a hierarchical or layered structure, fewer attempts have been made to explain how such structures arise. This paper proposes a Self-Organizing Model of Consciousness based on three core concepts: Functional Elements, Functional Units, and Emergent Functions. Functional Elements are interpreted as the smallest functional components of consciousness. Through continuous interaction, these elements form Functional Units, which in turn generate higher-order Emergent Functions. The model further proposes that processes of coherence, dynamic balance, and self-organization contribute to the formation of increasingly integrated conscious systems. From this perspective, layered consciousness is understood not as a pre-existing architecture, but as an emergent outcome of long-term self-organizing processes. Conscious development is interpreted as a progressive increase in functional integration, higher-order differentiation, and coordination, giving rise to increasingly complex forms of personality organization. Although conceptual in nature, the proposed framework offers a possible bridge between consciousness studies, personality development, self-organization theory, and evolutionary perspectives on mind. It also provides a foundation for future investigations into functional architectures of consciousness and the emergence of higher-order awareness.
Hideki Matsubara (Sun,) studied this question.