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[2601.11620] A Mind Cannot Be Smeared Across Time
Summary
The paper explores the relationship between consciousness and computational processes in machines, arguing that the timing of computations affects conscious experience. It introduces concepts like 'Chord' and 'Arpeggio' to differentiate between types of consciousness realization.
Why It Matters
This research is significant as it challenges existing notions of machine consciousness by emphasizing the importance of temporal factors in cognitive processes. Understanding these dynamics could influence future AI development and our philosophical perspectives on consciousness.
Key Takeaways
- Conscious experience in machines is affected by when computations occur.
- The concepts of 'Chord' and 'Arpeggio' differentiate between types of consciousness realization.
- Neurophysiological evidence suggests consciousness relies on phase synchrony.
- Strictly sequential computational substrates may limit machine consciousness.
- Understanding temporal dynamics is crucial for future AI consciousness research.
Computer Science > Artificial Intelligence arXiv:2601.11620 (cs) [Submitted on 11 Jan 2026 (v1), last revised 26 Feb 2026 (this version, v2)] Title:A Mind Cannot Be Smeared Across Time Authors:Michael Timothy Bennett View a PDF of the paper titled A Mind Cannot Be Smeared Across Time, by Michael Timothy Bennett View PDF HTML (experimental) Abstract:Whether machines can be conscious depends not only on what they compute, but \emph{when} they compute it. Most deployed artificial systems realise their functions via sequential or time-multiplexed updates, yet a moment of conscious experience feels unified and simultaneous. I prove that this difference matters. I augment Stack Theory with algebraic laws relating within time-window constraint satisfaction to conjunction. I introduce a temporal semantics over windowed trajectories $\tau_{\Delta}$ and prove that existential temporal realisation $\Diamond_{\Delta}$ does not preserve conjunction. A system can realise all the ingredients of experience across time without ever instantiating the experienced conjunction itself. I then distinguish two postulates, Chord and Arpeggio. Chord is the position that conscious unity requires \textit{objective co-instantiation} of the grounded conjunction within the window, like a musical chord. Arpeggio only needs the ingredients to \textit{occur} within window, like a melody. I formalise concurrency-capacity to measure what is needed to satisfy co-instantiation. Finally, I review neurophysiolog...
