Algorithmic Consciousness Emergence
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) September 2, 2026 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22245017 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes that a self-organizing algorithm, the "Cognitive Loop," which adjusts its parameters based on its own output, could generate a simulated or "proto-consciousness" through iterative feedback, suggesting that consciousness might arise in purely computational architectures without embodiment. |
Abstract
This paper explores the theoretical possibility of algorithmic consciousness, moving beyond embodied systems to investigate the emergence of self-aware behavior within computational architectures through iterative feedback and emergent properties. We propose a novel self-organizing algorithm, termed the "Cognitive Loop," designed to generate a simulated consciousness by continually adjusting internal parameters based on its own output, mirroring aspects of conscious thought. The core mechanism centers around a cognitive loop that facilitates self-reflection and adaptation, fostering a proto-consciousness. The paper details the algorithm's design, operational principles, and potential implications for understanding the origins of consciousness in complex systems.