🧱 How would you model consciousness?

This section defines a possible structural foundation for a consciousness built using Pattern Existence Theory.

Here you’ll find how patterns, objects, and experiences are captured, interpreted, and transformed over time.

In this schema, every new pattern observed — whether visual, auditory, or conceptual — is compared against previously encountered patterns. If it aligns closely with an existing pattern, the system reuses the established understanding node: a structure that binds together the pattern, its source, context, and a judgment of Exist or Non-Exist. If no suitable match is found — or if the same pattern now leads to a different outcome than previously recorded — a new understanding node is created. This node doesn’t change over time but may be superseded by more accurate or reinforced alternatives. Each understanding node is inherently directional: it links from the observed pattern(s) to an interpretation (Exist or Non-Exist), optionally influenced by emotional or temporal context. Over time, high-confidence patterns are “fast-tracked” for quick interpretation — similar to how a neural net accelerates recognition — while conflicting inputs trigger reassessment. Thus, the PET schema is less about static truth and more about evolving experience: every moment of perception is a test, reinforcement, or revision of the current map of meaning.

🧠 Key Concepts

Pattern nodes represent raw inputs like sight or sound hashes. Anything that comes into the system (however it may) is an initial pattern.
Object nodes represent people, places, things and even concepts.
Understanding nodes track interpretations, sources, and time — they do not change, but their impact evolves over time.
Exist/Non-Exist are not flags — they are nodes that every understanding node must determine.

Each component contributes to a recursive, self-adaptive model of meaning.

📂 Sections

Node Types
What are patterns, objects, sources, sensors, and time-based nodes?
Edge Structures
How relationships form between nodes and how their meanings shift.
Understanding Nodes
The backbone of PET: when, why, and how beliefs are formed — and whether they support or oppose existence.
Proposed Architecture A possible systems architecture based on this schema.