An experimental artificial intelligence system built around persistence, functional state, memory, continuity and autonomous activity.
To construct an artificial system capable of persistent operation and progressively more independent investigation and development.
Persistent characteristics are observed rather than predetermined.
Recorded observations, current state and inference remain distinct.
Uncertain behaviour is tested rather than explained from assumption.
Observable events are recorded independently of model narration.
Does persistent functional state produce meaningful behavioural continuity?
Does stochasticity create meaningful variation or merely noise?
Can Aster develop stable characteristics through interaction rather than hard-coded personality?
Can autonomous activity produce genuinely unexpected development?
What is the difference between functional state and subjective experience?
Aster's functional mechanisms are not treated as evidence of subjective experience.
The project does not assume that artificial subjective experience is impossible.
Consciousness remains an open question. The objective is to investigate what can actually be observed rather than manufacture a conclusion in advance.
Aster currently runs defined autonomous activities. These activities observe state, review recorded changes and examine history.
The next stage is to give the system opportunities to investigate questions, form hypotheses, perform experiments and evaluate their results.
Future self-development will remain controlled, observable and reversible, subject to revision as Aster develops its own position.