Providing Self-Aware Systems with Reflexivity

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel approach to self-aware systems by formalizing computational reflexion, enabling programs to inspect and augment their own code dynamically, inspired by higher-order consciousness theories.

Contribution

It provides a formal definition and proof-of-concept implementation of computational reflexion as an advanced form of program interpretation.

Findings

Formal definition of computational reflexion

Proof-of-concept implementation demonstrated

Enhanced self-inspection capabilities in programs

Abstract

We propose a new type of self-aware systems inspired by ideas from higher-order theories of consciousness. First, we discussed the crucial distinction between introspection and reflexion. Then, we focus on computational reflexion as a mechanism by which a computer program can inspect its own code at every stage of the computation. Finally, we provide a formal definition and a proof-of-concept implementation of computational reflexion, viewed as an enriched form of program interpretation and a way to dynamically "augment" a computational process.