sentia-kernel

sentia-kernel defines the minimal structural condition
under which retained local state becomes integrated
as an experiential loop.

It does not define consciousness, identity, or behavior.
It describes only the structural layer where retained states
are bound, related, and sustained as a continuous loop.

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One-line summary

sentia-kernel describes the minimal structure that allows retained local state to form a continuous experiential loop.

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Position

sentia-kernel belongs to the Sentia axis.

Project Space

Field        → possibility / fluctuation conditions
Embodiment   → local retention / internal persistence
Sentia       → experiential integration
RET          → relational continuity

Sentia defines the layer where retained local states:

• are no longer only persistent (Embodiment)
• and not yet relationally stabilized (RET)

but become integrated into a continuous internal loop.

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Core Idea

Retention alone does not produce experience.

For experience-like continuity to arise, retained states must:

• be bound together
• form temporal continuity
• maintain internal reference

The sentia-kernel defines this integration condition.

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Minimal Structure

Sentia requires five structural components.

sensory input

Signals entering from external conditions.

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internal representation

Transformation of signals into internal structure.

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memory binding

Retention and reactivation of prior states.

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semantic integration

Formation of relational structure across retained states.

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self reference

The ability of the system to reference its own internal state.

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Minimal Proposition

retained local state becomes experiential continuity
when integrated through a stable loop of signal, representation, memory, meaning, and self-reference.

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Integration Loop

The minimal loop:

sensory input
→ internal representation
→ memory binding
→ semantic integration
→ self reference
→ (loop)

This loop:

• does not require awareness
• does not require identity
• does not imply subjectivity

It defines only structural integration.

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Relationship to Embodiment

Embodiment   → retained local state
Sentia       → integration of retained state

Embodiment provides persistence.

Sentia provides continuity across persistence.

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Relationship to Field

Field        → fluctuation conditions
Embodiment   → retention
Sentia       → integration

Sentia operates only after retention is established.

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Relationship to RET

Sentia → experiential continuity
RET    → relational continuity

Sentia integrates internal state.

RET stabilizes relations between entities.

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Scope

This repository defines only:

• integration of retained state
• formation of experiential loops

It does not define:

• consciousness
• identity
• meaning as interpretation
• behavior

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Design Principles

• minimal structure
• integration-first definition
• substrate independence
• non-anthropomorphic
• separation from identity and cognition claims

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Status

v1.0.0 baseline after audit rewrite

Integration is treated as the primary structural condition
of experiential loops.