The Modeler-Schema Theory of Consciousness: Diffuse Awareness, Focal Experience, and a Saccadic Consistency Experiment
arXiv Preprint Archive November 30, 2025 preprint
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Q-bio.nc |
| Key points | Argues that the Modeler-schema, a cybernetic control agent monitoring the brain's Modeler, constitutes the minimal phenomenal subject, with only the Modeler-schema generating qualia. Proposes that during saccades it may compare pre- and post-saccadic visual qualia and issue bottom-up attention requests when discrepancies are detected, and that the theory addresses the Hard Problem through a physical identity unifying subject, process, and content. |
Abstract
We propose that the Modeler-schema, a cybernetic control agent that monitors the brain's Modeler as it constructs and updates the World Model, is the minimal phenomenal subject. The theory distinguishes focal experience from diffuse awareness: focal attention selects focal-experience content, while diffuse awareness is the conscious presence of the full sensory field. The Human agent comprises three agents-Modeler, Controller, and Targeter-each paired with a schema agent, but only the Modeler-schema generates qualia. The Modeler-schema converts World Model contents into qualia and uses them for consistency checking and model refinement. The empirical prediction is that, during saccades, the Modeler-schema may compare pre- and post-saccadic visual qualia across the sensory field and may issue bottom-up attention requests when discrepancies are detected. An experiment tests whether Modeler-schema checking extends beyond focal targets. The theory addresses the Hard Problem through a physical identity unifying subject, process, and content within the Modeler-schema itself.