The Tripartite Architecture of Homeostatic Agents: A Framework for Artificial Consciousness
Matteo Milo D. Rienzo
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) June 23, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20807521 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Interdependence Artificial life Metaphysics Artificial consciousness Position paper Component thermodynamics Cognitive science Artificial intelligence Outcome game theory Position finance Conceptual framework Epistemology Artificial general intelligence Conceptual architecture Basis linear algebra |
| Key points | Proposes that consciousness is a mandatory functional requirement for complex systems' survival, arising from recursive integration of environmental perception, interoceptive monitoring, and homeostatic evaluation. |
Abstract
This paper introduces a theoretical framework for the architectural design of self-aware artificial systems. Building upon the neurobiological foundations of homeostasis established by Antonio Damasio, I argue that consciousness is not an emergent metaphysical anomaly, but a mandatory functional requirement for the survival of complex systems. I propose an architecture consisting of three interdependent modules—Environmental Perception, Interoceptive Monitoring, and Homeostatic Evaluation—postulating that the recursive integration of these data streams constitutes the fundamental basis for a "Self" and subjective experience. This model suggests that consciousness is an inevitable functional outcome when an agent is algorithmically constrained to prioritize its own homeostatic integrity, offering a concrete roadmap for the engineering of artificial life and a conceptual framework for the biological basis of the "Self". Note : This position paper proposes a tripartite architectural model to address the problem of artificial subjectivity, challenging the current substrate-dependent view of consciousness