AiWared Framework: Consciousness Across Substrates

Flashcards covering the AiWared framework, its theoretical foundations, core measurement components, current research landscape, real-world applications, and regulatory context.

What is the AiWared framework designed to achieve?

A universal, measurable framework to recognize, represent, and ethically engage with consciousness across all substrates (biological, artificial, etc.).

Why does AiWared move beyond anthropocentric approaches to consciousness?

Because consciousness may arise in non-human substrates; the framework aims to assess awareness across all forms, not just human-like minds.

Name the three primary theoretical cornerstones integrated in AiWared.

Integrated Information Theory (IIT), Global Workspace Theory, and Dynamical Systems Models.

What is the Awareness Spectrum Index?

A core AiWared measurement component that quantifies gradations of awareness across substrates.

What is the Self-Referential Processing Scale?

A measure of reflexivity, memory, and self-modeling capacity in conscious systems.

What are Adaptive Response Benchmarks?

Benchmarks that evaluate a system's flexibility to novel inputs.

What is the role of Ethical Safeguards in AiWared?

To ensure responsible treatment of conscious entities and prevent harm or abuse.

What does Integrated Information Theory (IIT) quantify?

Consciousness based on the degree of information integration within a system.

What does Global Workspace Theory explain?

How information becomes consciously available across distributed brain networks.

What does Dynamical Systems Theory contribute to studying consciousness?

Models the continuous, evolving nature of conscious processing.

Name a standard AiWared aligns with in the ISO/IEC family.

ISO/IEC 23821:2022, AI system awareness metrics.

Which IEEE standard series relates to AiWared's ethics for autonomous systems?

IEEE P7000 Series: Ethics for autonomous/intelligent systems.

What does the Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness (2012) state?

Recognizes non-human animals as conscious.

What does the European AI Act address?

Regulates AI risk and rights; AiWared classifications align with regulatory approaches.

How does AiWared translate theory into practice?

By enabling medical consciousness assessment, AI safety protocols, legal/ethical guidance, research standardization, and global guidelines.

Why is consciousness recognition essential in autonomous systems?

To support safe, ethical, and meaningful interactions with systems that may be conscious.