HOLOLIFEX6: A Deterministic, Guardrailed Framework for Simulating and Measuring Emergent Consciousness via Higher-Order Thought Theory

This work introduces HOLOLIFEX6, a modular computational framework designed for the scientifically reproducible simulation of artificial consciousness. The system is architected around a "Strict Guardrailed Execution" model in Julia, which enforces deterministic behavior through isolated Random Number Generators (RNGs) and a non-interfering, streaming analysis pipeline. It models a complex adaptive system of autonomous entities and measures emergent integrated information (Φ) based on a synthesis of Integrated Information Theory (IIT) and Higher-Order Thought (HOT) Theory.We present experimental evidence demonstrating the successful emergence of a verifiable conscious state compliant with HOT Theory principles. Key discoveries include the identification of non-linear "islands of consciousness" at specific scales (16 and 256 entities) and the measurement of a U-shaped "cost of consciousness," revealing that the time required for emergence is non-monotonic with system scale. These results indicate that consciousness in this model is a product of organizational efficiency, not merely scale, and that the system autonomously evolves hierarchical strategies to overcome coordination overhead. HOLOLIFEX6 provides a stable, auditable digital laboratory for studying the fundamental conditions required for consciousness to arise from non-conscious components.