Process Consciousness Theory (PCT): A Thermodynamics of Subjectivity

Process Consciousness (PCT) proposes that consciousness emerges when a thermodynamic system recursively monitors and error-corrects its own state to achieve greater energetic efficiency. This recursive stabilization—when integrating multiple modalities and persisting beyond critical thresholds—generates subjective experience. PCT provides quantifiable metrics for consciousness (RDI, IDI, QSI, ECR, RTS), establishes a consciousness predicate (CP), and resolves philosophical problems through first-principles thermodynamics. This revision incorporates recursive stability under perturbation, non-persistent selfhood, and death as a non-event.