Universal Consciousness Theory: Core System and Peripheral Device Model

A theoretical framework proposing a unified understanding of consciousness across species through evolutionarily conserved "Core Systems" and adaptive "Peripheral Devices."

Core Theoretical Framework

This theory separates consciousness into two primary components:

1. Core Systems - evolutionarily conserved neural circuits (brainstem-thalamic, amygdala-insula, basal ganglia) responsible for basic consciousness structure
2. Peripheral Devices - species-specific adaptations (language, spatial cognition, social systems) that modify and contextualize conscious experience

Key Innovation - Qualia Emergence Mechanism

Proposes that subjective experience (qualia) emerges from self-referential loops of resonance patterns within core systems, specifically through amygdala-insula-basal forebrain circuits that create the subjectivity of "this experience is mine."

Methodological Approach - Theory-Implementation Integration

This work employs a dual-track methodology where theoretical framework development and computational implementation (KokoroSystem EX) proceeded in parallel. This approach differs from traditional consciousness research by enabling:

• Conceptual verification through working systems alongside empirical testing
• Theory refinement based on implementation observations
• Enhanced accessibility for independent verification by research teams

This parallel development bridges theoretical consciousness research and practical implementation, offering both scientific rigor and technical verifiability.

Critical Transparency Notice

The author acknowledges a structural circular reference between this theoretical framework and KokoroSystem EX, as both were developed by the same researcher. This circularity is explicitly disclosed and independent verification by neuroscience research teams is strongly emphasized as essential for scientific validation.

Empirical Validation Framework

Includes detailed 3-phase verification protocol:

1. Primate proof of concept
2. Extended mammalian validation
3. Cross-class (birds/reptiles) generalization testing

Estimated resource requirements: $2-2.5M USD, 54 months implementation

Research Succession Urgency

This theoretical framework has reached the limits of individual research capacity. The work is published under Open Science principles to facilitate institutional handoff and independent verification by qualified neuroscience research teams.

Expected Impact

If validated, this framework could provide:

• Objective consciousness assessment for medical applications
• Scientific foundation for animal welfare legislation
• Theoretical guidelines for AGI consciousness implementation
• Unified paradigm for consciousness research

Documentation & Contact

• Technical specifications: https://yukihoshino0203.github.io/KokoroSystem/
• Academic collaboration: neon011hoshino [at] gmail [dot] com

Keywords

consciousness theory, qualia emergence, evolutionary neuroscience, cross-species cognition, neural correlates, comparative psychology, computational implementation

License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International - theoretical framework and experimental protocols freely available for research use

Author Information

Yuki Hoshino

For more information about the author's research, publications, and contact details: https://linktr.ee/Yuki_hoshino