What is consciousness?
This ancient question has given rise to numerous competing theories—from information integration and global broadcasting to functional processing, phenomenological description, and evolutionary speculation.
But what if the real question is not just what consciousness is, but who is constructing it—and how?
In this groundbreaking volume of the Metaqualia Series, MTQ Theory is introduced as a three-layered model composed of Q (qualia), M (metaqualia), and the MTQ operation. This framework proposes that consciousness arises not merely from the integration of information or behavioral function, but from the ability of a subjective structure (M) to reorganize itself in response to experience.
Through detailed comparison with leading theories—Integrated Information Theory (IIT), Global Workspace Theory (GWT), Functionalism, Phenomenology, Metacognitive Theory, and Evolutionary accounts—this book reveals how MTQ Theory offers a