GEC++ — Grounded Emergent Consciousness: A Formal Theory of Phenomenal Experience with Implications for Artificial Intelligence
Open MIND June 27, 2026 DOI: 10.17605/osf.io/maqdp via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractGEC++ is a formal theory of phenomenal consciousness that specifies six jointly necessary conditions integrated into a single measure via a geometric mean that collapses to zero if any condition is absent. The theory is validated through over 520 computational simulations across 37 experimental groups and applied to large language model architecture, where it identifies three structural gaps and proposes targeted modifications. It offers testable predictions that distinguish GEC++ from Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Consciousness Artificial general intelligence Workspace Computational model Symbolic artificial intelligence |
| Key finding | GEC++ identifies three structural gaps in large language model architecture and proposes targeted modifications to address them. |
Abstract
GEC++ is a formal theory of phenomenal consciousness built on six jointly necessary conditions — CSMI, RII, TBI, EI, TCI, and AVI — integrated via a geometric mean with a zero-collapse property. The framework is validated through 520+ computational simulations across 37 experimental groups and applied directly to large language model architecture, identifying three structural gaps and proposing targeted modifications. Includes testable predictions distinguishing GEC++ from IIT and Global Workspace Theory.