The Modeler Schema Theory of Consciousness, with a Falsifiable Experiment

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 bottom-up attention requests. Locating qualia in the Modelerschema ties experience to the regulation and refinement of internal representations, clarifies how awareness arises from model control, and suggests a path toward empirical falsification, thereby offering a concrete, testable proposal toward solving the Hard Problem of consciousness.