The Modeler Schema Theory of Consciousness, with a Falsifiable Experiment
Frank Heile

TL;DR
This paper presents a new schema-based theory of consciousness, proposing a testable experiment to distinguish model-generated attention from schema-generated attention, linking experience to internal model regulation.
Contribution
It introduces the Modeler Schema Theory of consciousness with a specific, falsifiable experiment to empirically test the theory's core predictions.
Findings
Predicts Modelerschema performs qualia-based checks during saccades
Proposes a saccadic change-detection experiment to test the theory
Links qualia to internal model regulation and awareness emergence
Abstract
We propose that consciousness arises from a single control agent, the Modelerschema. It monitors the brain's Modeler as that system constructs and updates the internal World Model. As part of that monitoring, the Modelerschema generates experience by applying a qualia-based consistency check to the Modeler's output. The Human Agent comprises three cooperating agents: Modeler, Controller, and Targeter, each paired with an associated regulatory "schema" agent. We also describe fast-Modelers and fast-Controllers, evolutionary shortcuts whose rapid actions precede awareness. Our core prediction is that the Modelerschema performs a qualia-based consistency check during saccades and issues a bottom-up attention request when a discrepancy is found. To test this prediction, we propose a saccadic change-detection experiment that distinguishes Modeler-generated from Modelerschema-generated…
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