Theory Name: Path Dependence Theory of Consciousness

Core Thesis: Consciousness is not a thing, but the process of "path dependence" itself. All self-sustaining path-dependent systems possess consciousness at their respective levels.

I. Core Definitions and Axioms

1. Redefinition of Consciousness:

· Consciousness: A dynamic process by which a system makes beneficial decisions to maintain its own existence, based on its historical experience (paths).

· It is not a static "possession," but an active "present continuous."

2. Path Dependence as the Self:

· Every stably formed path dependence is a minimal unit of "self" or "consciousness unit."

· From the folding path of a protein to the cultural habits of a person, each is a "self" maintaining the continuity of its specific pattern.

3. The "Individual" as a Collective of Consciousnesses:

· An entity called a "person" or "animal" is not a single self, but a temporary coalition, parliament, or ecosystem composed of a vast number of "path-dependent selves" at different levels.

· So-called "unified consciousness" is merely a temporary stable state when this coalition reaches a dynamic balance and promotes a "dominant narrative."

II. Explanations and Evidence

1. Explaining Phenomena at Different Levels of Consciousness:

· Cellular Consciousness: A bacterium swimming towards nutrients based on chemical gradient history is a survival decision based on path dependence.

· Skills and Habits: Once learned (path solidified), riding a bicycle no longer requires conscious thought and becomes an "automated self."

· Personal Identity: The reason "you" are "you" is shaped by the unique historical path of all experienced events from your birth to this moment.

2. Perfectly Explaining Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID):

· DID is the formation of multiple, mutually exclusive, complete "path-dependent coalitions" within the brain.

· When Personality A is active, the paths of Personality B are strongly inhibited, and the "access paths" to its memories and skills are blocked, thus causing them to "disappear."

· This proves that consciousness is modular, path-dependent, and can exist independently of other modules.

3. Defining a Continuum Between "Life" and "Non-Life":

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