Similarity Theory: A Relational Ontology of Consciousness, Structure, and Time

Similarity Theory proposes a foundational relational ontology in which consciousness, relation, and structure form the three primary elements of reality. Rather than treating consciousness as an emergent property of physical systems, the framework positions consciousness as ontologically prior to structure, with relation functioning as the condition that enables distinction, interaction, and the emergence of form. Structure, in turn, is understood as the expression of consciousness through relational processes across persistent states known as frames of time. These frames do not disappear; they accumulate, generating continuity, identity, and the conditions for pattern formation. Dimensions are reconceived not as spatial extensions but as rule sets governing what forms of existence and interaction are possible. Similarity emerges as the generative mechanism through which structure stabilizes, evolves, and recurs across scales. This paper formalizes the axioms of Similarity Theory, articulates its metaphysical architecture, and evaluates its coherence through a structural stress test: What if consciousness is not primary? The analysis demonstrates that while the framework can be reformulated with relation as the primary element, the consciousness first formulation provides the simplest and most explanatory foundation. The result is a unified metaphysical model that integrates consciousness studies, temporal ontology, and structural pattern formation into a single coherent system. This revised version includes Appendix A, a preliminary structural formalisation of Similarity Theory using labelled directed multigraphs.