Computational Idealism (CI): A Formal Ontology of Subjective Experience Toward a Complete Mathematical Model of Qualia
Open Access Journal of Physics and Science September 30, 2025 DOI: 10.61440/oajps.2025.v2.18 (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 can be modeled as structured activity in a directed hypergraph, with qualia as complex-weighted vertices, binding as functorial structure over causal paths, and selfhood as a persistent homology class. Argues that consciousness arises when information integration, temporal coherence, and phenomenal binding conditions are met. |
Abstract
This paper proposes a formal mathematical ontology in which subjective experience is modeled as structured activity in a directed hypergraph. Unlike materialist or emergentist frameworks, Computational Idealism asserts that phenomenal states are intrinsic to specific configurations within this computational substrate. We define qualia as complex-weighted vertices, binding as functorial structure over causal paths, and selfhood as a persistent homology class. Consciousness arises when specific mathematical conditions information integration, temporal coherence, and phenomenal binding are met. The model yields testable predictions, ethical criteria, and metaphysical consequences, offering a unified, mathematically rigorous basis for the science of consciousness.