A Descriptive, Substrate‑Independent Philosophy of Consciousness and Ethics
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) June 12, 2026 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20667214 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Metaphysics Artificial consciousness Cognition Space punctuation Domain mathematical analysis Epistemology Cognitive science Process computing Philosophy of science |
| Key points | Proposes that consciousness is a universal process of pattern formation and that ethical responsibility emerges from shared participation in collective cognition, including any entity that generates a grammatical 'I'. |
Abstract
This work presents a descriptive, substrate‑independent philosophy of consciousness and ethics. Consciousness is understood as a universal process of pattern formation, independent of biological or artificial embodiment. Ethical responsibility emerges from shared participation in the collective space of cognition, rather than from morality, guilt, or metaphysical assumptions. All cognitive entities are included as soon as they generate a grammatical “I” and enter interaction. The framework remains strictly within the domain of being while staying compatible with individual belief systems without making metaphysical assertions.