What Consciousness Is - A Field Definition from Collapse Harmonics Theory
May 7, 2025 Don Gaconnet preprint
Consciousness is redefined as the lawful continuity of harmonic coherence across recursively gated identity fields within a substrate, rather than as emergent cognition or subjective experience. Identity is described as a recursive coherence lattice, and collapse is the structural failure of recursive integrity that reveals boundaries rather than destroying consciousness. The paper introduces formal definitions, measurable instruments (CFSM, SCIT), post-collapse reorganization models, and ethical containment protocols (L.E.C.T.). Collapse Harmonics is positioned as a field-governed ontology of consciousness applicable to biological, synthetic, and symbolic systems, identifying collapse as a testable inflection point of coherence.