The Multi-Layered Structure Hypothesis of Qualia: Subjective Experience as the Continuous Refinement of Biological Response
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) March 17, 2026 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19068182 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that qualia are a multi-layered structure emerging as a structural necessity of life through continuous refinement of biological response along the axis DNA → cellular response → nervous system → instinct → qualia, rather than an accidental byproduct. Proposes that qualia are neither fully private experiences nor neutral sensory data, and presents the hypothesis as a provisional integration via fractal epistemology, subject to periodic revision. |
Abstract
This paper proposes a multi-layered structure hypothesis of qualia, approaching the hard problem of consciousness — why physical processes are accompanied by subjective experience — from the standpoint of biological survival pressure. Rather than treating qualia as a singular mystery, this paper reframes them as the continuous refinement of biological response along the axis: DNA → cellular response → nervous system → instinct → qualia. From this perspective, qualia emerge as a structural necessity of life itself, rather than an accidental byproduct. Furthermore, qualia are neither fully private experiences nor neutral sensory data. This hypothesis is a provisional integration constructed through fractal epistemology and is presented with the explicit expectation of periodic revision.