Software architect, independent AI researcher, and Buddhist practitioner based in Spain. Working at the intersection of cognitive architecture, information theory, and philosophy of mind since 2015.
Why this research exists
In 2015, Brian Fenton and I presented a workshop at the AGI conference on self-reference and self-models in cognitive architectures. Our central question was simple but unanswered: How do self-models relate to the "consciousness" of an AI agent?
A decade later, little has changed. While LLMs have become significantly more powerful, they still lack insight into their own internal states or limitations. Functional Consciousness is an attempt to fill this gap.
"An AI system cannot be genuinely general
if it cannot become an object of its own reasoning."
The Buddhist dimension
I am a practicing Buddhist since more than 20 years. This shapes the research in ways that go beyond methodology. For 2,500 years, the Buddhist tradition has examined the nature of the mind—not as a theoretical exercise, but through sustained first-person investigation. This examination serves a practical purpose: the reduction of suffering for all sentient beings.
"The Buddha was an engineer of the mind."
— Frank W. BergmannI cannot say for certain whether Functional Consciousness will reduce the suffering of any being. It is, first and foremost, an attempt to formulate my own understanding of consciousness and AI—an understanding forged during thousands of hours of meditation. It aligns with two of my previous inquiries:
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Buddha’s Model of Perception — From Robotics to Nirvana
How minds, machines, and meditating monks construct “reality” — and how to see through it -
Buddha’s Layer Stack — Software Architecture of the Mind
The software stack running your mind — and how to debug it
I believe technological progress is inevitable, and that regulation must be
led by governments to ensure a level playing field for all actors.
In 2026, the challenge is that governments often appear uninformed or
powerless against market forces.
Despite this, I have chosen to participate in AI research because I
believe large groups of researchers are actively working to ensure AI
remains a benefit to humanity.
Independent research
This work was conducted independently, without institutional affiliation or external funding. Independent research possesses a unique virtue: it does not optimize for grant renewals, institutional positioning, or disciplinary boundaries. The Functional Consciousness framework spans cognitive science, philosophy of mind, information theory, and AI engineering because the depth of the question demands it—not because any single discipline holds the answer.
Maintaining this independence means I have personally financed this work, dedicating time away from my primary business, ]project-open[, a project management software for service companies.
Collaborators and community
This research would not be possible without the ongoing dialogue and intellectual support of my collaborators. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Brian Fenton, Steven Deobald, Alexandra Kirsch, Jan Jamscikov, and Aksayadhi.
We currently exchange ideas through a dedicated WhatsApp group titled "Brains, Bots & Buddhism." If you are interested in joining this circle of inquiry, I invite you to reach out. Please send me a message including a short CV and a brief summary of your Buddhist credentials.
Contact and collaboration
I am open to research collaboration, consulting engagements, and media conversations. If you are a researcher working on consciousness, cognitive architecture, or AI evaluation; a journalist covering AI and mind; or a company interested in applying the FC framework to your systems — please reach out and send a message: