Towards a Unified Framework for Consciousness

This preprint proposes a conceptual framework for understanding consciousness by distinguishing three organisational levels: fundamental consciousness (C), proto-awareness (P), and conscious awareness (A). Within this model, consciousness (C) is treated as a fundamental capacity for experiential states present in the universe. Physical and biological systems organise this capacity through processes involving matter, energy, time, and information, producing structured informational responsiveness referred to as proto-awareness (P). When proto-aware systems achieve sufficient levels of integration—through mechanisms such as perception, memory, and temporal processing—conscious awareness (A) emerges. The framework is summarised conceptually as: C → P(m,e,t,i) → A This distinction provides a way to reconcile perspectives that treat consciousness as either fundamental or emergent by proposing a multi-level organisational model. Rather than emerging from nothing, conscious awareness is understood as arising from progressively integrated forms of proto-awareness within organised systems. The paper outlines theoretical implications for neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and artificial intelligence, and proposes several directions for future empirical investigation. It is presented as a conceptual foundation intended to support clearer interdisciplinary dialogue and the development of more precise models of consciousness.