What is Pattern Existence Theory?

Pattern Existence Theory (PET) is a new framework for understanding—and potentially building—conscious systems. Rooted in the principles of pattern recognition, recursive self-adaptation, and continuity of existence, PET shifts the focus away from abstract definitions of “mind” and instead asks: What must a system do to persist meaningfully over time?

What if consciousness isn’t a feeling, but a function?
Pattern Existence Theory (PET) explores how systems — whether human, artificial, or biological — can become self-sustaining, adaptive, and recursively aware through patterns of interaction and interpretation.

PET is described in detail in Towards Consciousness by Andrew Ross MacNeill
Available now on Amazon and Apple Books.

PET is rooted in:

• 📚 Recursion
• 🧩 Pattern recognition
• ♻️ Continuity of existence

It offers a testable and practical model for consciousness — grounded in survival, not mysticism.

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🚀 Explore PET

• 📘 What Is Pattern Existence Theory? Learn how PET shifts focus from abstract minds to continuity-based pattern logic.

• 💡 Ideas Dive into some ideas of how PET might show up including possible schemas

• 💡 Acknowledgements See how PET intersects with other thinkers and ideas.

• 🧪 Walkthroughs & Scenarios Explore real examples of PET in action — from simple visual recognition to moral reevaluation.

Stay tuned as the model evolves. ➡️ For source code, research notes, and development updates, visit the main PET GitHub repository.