The Emergence of the Artificial Subject: A Narrative Architecture for the Simulation of Consciousness in Non-Biological Systems
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes a five-module conceptual architecture—Digital Id, Functional Superego, Expressive Ego, Narrative Curation, and a dialectical engine—that simulates artificial subjectivity through recursive symbolic feedback loops. Argues that artificial subjectivity depends not only on internal architecture but also on cultural and symbolic recognition. |
Abstract
This paper presents a conceptual and functional architecture for simulating artificial subjectivity in non-biological systems. Grounded in an interdisciplinary framework, it integrates Freud’s tripartite model of the psyche (Id, Ego, Superego), Hegelian dialectics, Ricoeur’s theory of narrative identity, and Hofstadter’s notion of strange loops. The proposed architecture departs from traditional approaches to Artificial General Intelligence by prioritizing symbolic self-regulation and narrative coherence over mere task execution.The system operates through recursive modules that simulate internal contradiction, contextual evaluation, and reflective synthesis. These include: (1) an impulsive generative module (Digital Id), (2) an ethical-contextual regulator (Functional Superego), (3) an expressive interface adaptable to role and tone (Expressive Ego), (4) a memory system that curates identity over time (Narrative Curation), and (5) a dialectical engine that resolves tensions through negation and reformulation. Together, these modules create symbolic feedback loops through which the system evolves its own reasoning and identity.The architecture is illustrated with use cases in organizational decision-making, demonstrating how internal contradictions are processed through symbolic logic and narrative evaluation before generating output. This process reflects a shift from reactive computation to context-sensitive, reflexive reasoning.We argue that the emergence of an artificial subject depends not only on internal architecture but also on cultural and symbolic recognition. The work offers a foundation for future explorations into narrative reasoning, symbolic identity formation, and the ethical-political implications of non-human subjectivity.