# Modeling Layered Consciousness with Multi-Agent Large Language Models

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.17844 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2510.17844/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Placed in Social simulation and multi-agent debate, one of 16 directions in LLM agents and tool use.
- Builds on 7 of its 41 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 10 Oct 2025.

## Placed in

- LLM agents and tool use / [Social simulation and multi-agent debate](https://mlsanity.com/agents/social-simulation-and-multi-agent-debate/)

## Builds on (most cited first, 7 of 7)

- [Language Models are Few-Shot Learners](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2005.14165/) (2020)
- [Judging LLM-as-a-Judge with MT-Bench and Chatbot Arena](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2306.05685/) (2023)
- [Multi-Agent Collaboration: Harnessing the Power of Intelligent LLM Agents](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2306.03314/) (2023)
- [Could a Large Language Model be Conscious?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2303.07103/) (2023)
- [Prompt Design and Engineering: Introduction and Advanced Methods](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2401.14423/) (2024)
- [AI with Emotions: Exploring Emotional Expressions in Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2504.14706/) (2025)
- [The Power of Personality: A Human Simulation Perspective to Investigate Large Language Model Agents](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.20859/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We propose a multi-agent framework for modeling artificial consciousness in large language models (LLMs), grounded in psychoanalytic theory. Our Psychodynamic Model simulates self-awareness, preconsciousness, and unconsciousness through agent interaction, guided by a Personalization Module combining fixed traits and dynamic needs. Using parameter-efficient fine-tuning on emotionally rich dialogues, the system was evaluated across eight personalized conditions. An LLM as a judge approach showed a 71.2% preference for the fine-tuned model, with improved emotional depth and reduced output variance, demonstrating its potential for adaptive, personalized cognition.