Computational Qualia: A Minimal Theory of Consciousness

Abstract

Computational Qualia (CQ) is a minimal, substrate-independent theory of consciousness. It proposes that a quale is not an additional property attached to information processing, but an aspect of a system-relative experiential annotation: a temporally bound, valenced, action-linked, self-indexed state generated through interaction that causally modifies later perception, memory, prediction, and action. The framework distinguishes experiential annotations from generic representations and embeddings; compares CQ with higher-order theories, Self-Model Theory, Global Neuronal Workspace Theory, Integrated Information Theory, Recurrent Processing Theory, predictive processing and active inference, Attention Schema Theory, representationalism, and illusionism; reviews relevant neuroscience; states explicit falsification criteria; and specifies a controlled synthetic-consciousness experiment comparing a conventional LLM/RAG agent with an otherwise matched agent possessing a persistent self-model, structured experiential annotations, valence and salience, action-consequence learning, and recursive access. This record archives the first public manuscript version released by Donald Ike on September 16, 2026. Original public announcement: https://donaldike.substack.com/p/computational-qualia-a-minimal-theory AI assistance disclosure: Generative AI tools assisted with literature discovery, manuscript organization, drafting, editing, and document production. The originating theory, central conceptual claims, intellectual direction, and final editorial decisions are those of Donald Ike, who reviewed and approved the manuscript and accepts full responsibility for its contents.