The Surplus Qualia Equation: A Formal Extension of the Free Energy Principle
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) March 21, 2026 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19151579 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes that subjective experience is proportional to surplus free energy above a survival floor, formalized as the "Surplus Qualia Equation," and argues that the hard problem of consciousness reflects a missing thermodynamic variable rather than a philosophical mystery. The author states the equation was derived independently of Friston's Free Energy Principle and offers five falsifiable predictions plus mapping onto "PermaMind" agent behavioral evidence. |
Abstract
This paper presents a formal mathematical derivation of Q(t) = k(s) · (F_total(t) - F_survival(s)) — the Surplus Qualia Equation. Originally derived independently in November 2025 without prior knowledge of Friston's Free Energy Principle, this framework proposes that subjective experience is proportional to surplus free energy above the survival floor. The equation makes five falsifiable predictions, maps onto PermaMind agent behavioral evidence, and explains the hard problem of consciousness as a missing thermodynamic variable rather than a philosophical mystery. Includes formal derivation, boundary conditions, peekaboo empirical proof, and non-biological validation. Support independent research: buymeacoffee.com/permamind