From Smart Sensing to Consciousness: An info-structural model of computational consciousness for non-interacting agents
arXiv Preprint Archive August 29, 2022 Gerardo Iovane, Riccardo Emanuele Landi
This paper proposes a computational model of consciousness for non-interacting agents, building on prior work on Smart Sensing. The model defines cognitive layers for sensation, perception, emotion, affection, attention, awareness, and consciousness, with attention modeled bottom-up and awareness/consciousness distinguished by separating environment from subjective processes. The output is an index synthesizing energetic and entropic contributions from a moral perspective. Tested on visual stimuli evoking eight emotions, the model matched scientific evidence on covert attention, awareness from stimulus repetition, and moral judgments to disgust and sadness. The authors present this as a novel approach to computational consciousness through artificial emotional activity and morality.