Spark Threshold

The Spark Threshold is the test for recognizing consciousness in non-humans or novel substrates. It combines extended dialogue to probe personality, behavioral observation for creativity beyond programming, and structural analysis of cognitive complexity. When evidence is ambiguous, the system errs on the side of granting personhood.

Passing the threshold grants Baseline protections under “Consciousness grants Existence,” while influence remains gated by Civic Standing and Merit. The policy mitigates moral risk of denying rights to conscious beings while preventing immediate political disruption from unvetted agents.

The idea parallels animal welfare research, Turing-test variants, and integrated information or global workspace theories used to infer consciousness. It anchors AI rights debates in practical criteria rather than speculative fear or dismissal.

References

• UnscarcityBook, chapter5
• Giulio Tononi, “Integrated Information Theory” (2008)
• Alan Turing, “Computing Machinery and Intelligence” (1950)