The Continuum of Process-Dependent Consciousness (CPDC)

This paper introduces the Continuum of Process-Dependent Consciousness (CPDC), a theoretical framework proposing that consciousness arises as a graded phenomenon from the ongoing, agentic construction and integration of information. CPDC models consciousness as a continuum defined along three primary axes—Construction Complexity (C), Duration of Processing (D), and Recursion Depth (R)—with Entropy (E) as a modulating factor reflecting the diversity and unpredictability of generative processes. The framework unifies biological and artificial systems along a single process-based spectrum and proposes operational proxies for empirical study. Case studies (LLMs, animals, human dreaming), phase transitions, ethical implications, and major critiques are addressed. The paper closes with a call for open, interdisciplinary collaboration to develop and empirically refine the CPDC model.