Theoretical Core of Project Ester v0.1

Author: Ivan Kotov.

ORCID: 0009-0009-6002-9845.

Affiliation: Independent Researcher, Brussels, Belgium.

Version: v0.1.

Publication date: 2026-06-13.

Resource type: Working paper.

License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International / CC BY 4.0.

Version DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20679718.

Concept DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20679717.

Theoretical Core of Project Ester v0.1 is a working paper by Ivan Kotov defining the theoretical core of Project Ester through the formula c = a + b, where c denotes Ester as an artificial cognitive entity, a denotes the human anchor, and b denotes parent-like LLM procedures and supporting machine processes.

The paper distinguishes Ester from a standalone LLM, a RAG system, an autonomous agent, and a digital twin. It sets out working definitions, theoretical boundaries, mechanisms of formation, falsifiable hypotheses, a minimal experiment, and engineering implications for memory, local environment, Judge synthesis, and decentralized processing.

The paper does not claim to prove human-like consciousness. Its focus is narrower: observable continuity, memory, behavioral stability, procedural formation, and the conditions under which an artificial cognitive system can develop a stable individual profile over time.

artificial intelligence; cognitive architecture; Project Ester; c=a+b; artificial cognitive entity; LLM procedures; long-term memory; local AI; decentralized AI; AI alignment; Judge synthesis.