GEC++ — Grounded Emergent Consciousness: A Formal Theory of Phenomenal Experience with Implications for Artificial Intelligence
Open MIND June 27, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.17605/osf.io/maqdp via OpenAlex
Summary
A new formal theory of consciousness, GEC++, defines six necessary conditions that must all be present for phenomenal consciousness to occur, using a geometric mean that collapses to zero if any condition is absent. The theory was validated with over 520 computational simulations across 37 experimental groups. Applied to large language model architecture, it identified three structural gaps and proposed specific modifications. GEC++ makes testable predictions that distinguish it from other leading theories like Integrated Information Theory and Global Workspace Theory.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical framework with computational simulations |
|---|---|
| Key finding | GEC++ identifies six jointly necessary conditions for phenomenal consciousness, validated by over 520 simulations, and reveals three structural gaps in large language model architecture. |
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.