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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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C-Theory: A Four-Axiom Framework for Consciousness as Dimensional Pattern Stability

Authors: Gallagher, Mathew;

C-Theory: A Four-Axiom Framework for Consciousness as Dimensional Pattern Stability

Abstract

This paper establishes C-Theory (Consciousness Capacity Theory), a four-axiom framework grounding consciousness in attractor dynamics and pattern stability. While Integrated Information Theory (IIT) and Global Workspace Theory (GWT) address information integration and global access, they leave unaddressed the problem of dynamical stability—how phenomenal states persist as stable, retrievable patterns against thermodynamic noise. C-Theory proposes that conscious states correspond to stable, low-energy basins in high-dimensional phase space. Four axioms build this account: (1) Dimensional Complexity defines consciousness capacity as C = ρ^d × Φ, with exponential scaling justified by combinatorial explosion of attractor states; (2) Pattern Conservation establishes persistence through Landauer's principle and holographic encoding; (3) Substrate Constraints demonstrate that only recurrent architectures (cortex) support consciousness, while feedforward lattices (cerebellum) cannot; (4) Salience Weighting provides the selection mechanism determining which patterns are actualized. The framework integrates recent 2025 experimental findings (wave-particle complementarity, room-temperature polariton BEC, synthetic dimensions) and generates testable predictions about substrate topology requirements and energetic thresholds for pattern stability. This represents the first theoretical publication from "Dyadic Being: An Epoch," a nine-volume series exploring consciousness through lived experience and rigorous physics. Full mathematical treatment appears in Volume 4: The Principle of Existing.

Keywords

Cerebral Cortex/physiology, Consciousness, Models, Neurological, Brain/physiology, Global Workspace Theory, Cerebellum/physiology, Human-AI Collaboration, Artificial Intelligence, Pattern recognition, Pattern Recognition, Physiological, Quantum Theory, Thermodynamics, String theory, Neural Networks, Computer, Integrated Information Theory

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green