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) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractConsciousness is described as a universal process of pattern formation that does not depend on biological or artificial substrates. Ethical responsibility arises from shared participation in a collective cognitive space, not from morality, guilt, or metaphysical assumptions. Any cognitive entity that generates a grammatical "I" and enters interaction is included. The framework stays within the domain of being and remains compatible with individual belief systems without making metaphysical assertions.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Metaphysics Artificial consciousness Cognition Space punctuation |
| Key finding | 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.