Surmounting the Cartesian Cut: Torsion Fields, the Extended Photon, Quantum Jumps, The Klein Bottle, Multivalued Logic, the Time Operator Chronomes, Perception, Semiotics, Neurology and Cognition
We present a conception that surmounts the Cartesian Cut -prevailing in science- based on a representation of the fusion of the physical 'objective' and the 'subjective' realms. We introduce a mathematical-physics and philosophical theory for the physical realm and its mapping to the cognitive and perceptual realms and a philosophical reflection on the bearings of this fusion in cosmology, cognitive sciences, human and natural systems and its relations with a time operator and the existence of time cycles in Nature's and human systems. This conception stems from the self-referential construction of spacetime through torsion fields and its singularities; in particular the photon's self-referential character, basic to the embodiment of cognition ; we shall elaborate this in detail in perception and neurology. We discuss the relations between this embodiment, bio-photons and wave genetics, and the relation with the enactive approach in cognitive sciences due to Varela. We further discuss the relation of the present conception with Penrose's theory of consciousness related to non-computatibility -in the sense of the Goedel-Turing thesis- of quantum processes in the brain.
We present a conception that surmounts the Cartesian Cut -prevailing in science- based on a representation of the fusion of the physical 'objective' and the 'subjective' realms. We introduce a mathematical-physics and philosophical theory for the physical realm and its mapping to the cognitive and perceptual realms and a philosophical reflection on the bearings of this fusion in cosmology, cognitive sciences, human and natural systems and its relations with a time operator and the existence of time cycles in Nature's and human systems. This conception stems from the self-referential construction of spacetime through torsion fields and its singularities; in particular the photon's self-referential character, basic to the embodiment of cognition ; we shall elaborate this in detail in perception and neurology. We discuss the relations between this embodiment, bio-photons and wave genetics, and the relation with the enactive approach in cognitive sciences due to Varela. We further discuss the relation of the present conception with Penrose's theory of consciousness related to non-computatibility -in the sense of the Goedel-Turing thesis- of quantum processes in the brain.
The ontology of TGD inspired theory of consciousness consist of the trinity formed by objective realities represented by configuration space spinor fields, subjective realities defined by quantum jump sequences between quantum histories (selves), and geometrical objects (res extensa) represented by spacetime surfaces. The infinite-dimensional configuration space of 3-surfaces is believed to be determined completely by the requirement that it allows Kahler geometry free of infinities: infinite- dimensional ontology is fixed by self consistency. Quantum histories (configuration space spinor fields, ’solutions of field equations’) are not only representations for objective realities but identical with them: painting is the landscape so that there is no theory-reality dualism at this level. Quantum histories can be also identified as inhabitants of the Platonic realm of ideas. p-Adic nondetermism and the nondeterminism of the basic variational principle defining configuration space geometry correspond to the nondeterminisms of cognition and language. These nondeterminisms make it possible to represent, not only the quantal aspects of quantum states, but also quantum jumps sequences defining selves as spacetime regions. This explains the self-referentiality of consciousness meaning that it is possible to become conscious of being conscious about something. One ends up to a view about mathematics in which one must distinguish between mathematical ideas at the level of quantum histories and quantum jump sequences (’that which is’), and their cognitive and linguistic representations at spacetime level: the latter ones can never be faithful so that in this sense the map is not the territory.
In 1929 Szilard pointed out that the physics of the observer may play a role in the analysis of experiments. The same year, Bohr pointed out that complementarity appears to arise naturally in psychology where both the objects of perception and the perceiving subject belong to 'our mental content'. Here we argue that the formalism of quantum theory can be derived from two related intuitive principles: (i) inference is a physical process performed by physical systems, observers, which are part of the experimental setup---this implies non-commutativity and imaginary-time quantum mechanics; (ii) experiments must be described from a first-person perspective---this leads to self-reference, complementarity, and real-time quantum dynamics. This approach sheds new light on the foundations of quantum theory and suggests fundamental equations in physics are typically of second order due to the physical nature of the observer. It also suggests some experimental conjectures: (i) the quantum of action could be understood as the result of the additional energy required to transition from unconscious to conscious perception; (ii) humans can observe a single photon of visible light; (iii) self-aware systems and the neural correlates of the self should be composed of two complementary sub-systems, much like the DNA molecule is composed of two strands---this may help explain the double-hemisphere architecture of the brain. Moreover, this approach may help bridge the gap between science and human experience. We discuss the potential implications of these ideas for the modern research programs on consciousness and contemplative science. As side results: (i) we show that message-passing algorithms and stochastic processes can be written in a quantum-like manner; (ii) we provide evidence that non-stoquasticity, a quantum computational resource, may be related to non-equilibrium phenomena.
In 1929 Szilard pointed out that the physics of the observer may play a role in the analysis of experiments. The same year, Bohr pointed out that complementarity appears to arise naturally in psychology where both the objects of perception and the perceiving subject belong to 'our mental content'. Here we argue that the formalism of quantum theory can be derived from two related intuitive principles: (i) inference is a physical process performed by physical systems, observers, which are part of the experimental setup---this implies non-commutativity and imaginary-time quantum mechanics; (ii) experiments must be described from a first-person perspective---this leads to self-reference, complementarity, and real-time quantum dynamics. This approach sheds new light on the foundations of quantum theory and suggests fundamental equations in physics are typically of second order due to the physical nature of the observer. It also suggests some experimental conjectures: (i) the quantum of action could be understood as the result of the additional energy required to transition from unconscious to conscious perception; (ii) humans can observe a single photon of visible light; (iii) self-aware systems and the neural correlates of the self should be composed of two complementary sub-systems, much like the DNA molecule is composed of two strands---this may help explain the double-hemisphere architecture of the brain. Moreover, this approach may help bridge the gap between science and human experience. We discuss the potential implications of these ideas for the modern research programs on consciousness and contemplative science. As side results: (i) we show that message-passing algorithms and stochastic processes can be written in a quantum-like manner; (ii) we provide evidence that non-stoquasticity, a quantum computational resource, may be related to non-equilibrium phenomena.
In 1929 Szilard pointed out that the physics of the observer may play a role in the analysis of experiments. The same year, Bohr pointed out that complementarity appears to arise naturally in psychology where both the objects of perception and the perceiving subject belong to 'our mental content'. Here we argue that the formalism of quantum theory can be derived from two related intuitive principles: (i) inference is a physical process performed by physical systems, observers, which are part of the experimental setup---this implies non-commutativity and imaginary-time quantum mechanics; (ii) experiments must be described from a first-person perspective---this leads to self-reference, complementarity, and real-time quantum dynamics. This approach sheds new light on the foundations of quantum theory and suggests fundamental equations in physics are typically of second order due to the physical nature of the observer. It also suggests some experimental conjectures: (i) the quantum of action could be understood as the result of the additional energy required to transition from unconscious to conscious perception; (ii) humans can observe a single photon of visible light; (iii) self-aware systems and the neural correlates of the self should be composed of two complementary sub-systems, much like the DNA molecule is composed of two strands---this may help explain the double-hemisphere architecture of the brain. Moreover, this approach may help bridge the gap between science and human experience. We discuss the potential implications of these ideas for the modern research programs on consciousness and contemplative science. As side results: (i) we show that message-passing algorithms and stochastic processes can be written in a quantum-like manner; (ii) we provide evidence that non-stoquasticity, a quantum computational resource, may be related to non-equilibrium phenomena.
What is consciousness? Conventional approaches see it as an emergent property of complex interactions among individual neurons; however these approaches fail to address enigmatic features of consciousness. Accordingly, some philosophers have contended that "qualia," or an experiential medium from which consciousness is derived, exists as a fundamental component of reality. Whitehead, for example, described the universe as being composed of "occasions of experience." To examine this possibility scientifically, the very nature of physical reality must be re-examined. We must come to terms with the physics of spacetime--as described by Einstein's general theory of relativity, and its relation to the fundamental theory of matter--as described by quantum theory. Roger Penrose has proposed a new physics of objective reduction: "OR," which appeals to a form of quantum gravity to provide a useful description of fundamental processes at the quantum/classical borderline. Within the OR scheme, we consider that consciousness occurs if an appropriately organized system is able to develop and maintain quantum coherent superposition until a specific "objective" criterion (a threshold related to quantum gravity) is reached; the coherent system then self-reduces (objective reduction: OR). We contend that this type of objective self-collapse introduces non-computability, an essential feature of consciousness which distinguishes our minds from classical computers. Each OR is taken as an instantaneous event--the climax of a self-organizing process in fundamental spacetime--and a candidate for a conscious Whitehead "occasion of experience." How could an OR process occur in the brain, be coupled to neural activities, and account for other features of consciousness? We nominate a quantum computational OR process with the requisite characteristics to be occurring in cytoskeletal micro-tubules within the brain's neurons. In this model, quantum-superposed states develop in microtubule subunit proteins ("tubulins") within certain brain neurons, remain coherent, and recruit more superposed tubulins until a mass-time-energy threshold (related to quantum gravity) is reached. At that point, self-collapse, or objective reduction (OR), abruptly occurs. We equate the pre-reduction, coherent superposition ("quantum computing") phase with pre-conscious processes, and each instantaneous (and non-computable) OR, or self-collapse, with a discrete conscious event. Sequences of OR events give rise to a "stream" of consciousness. Microtubule-associated proteins can "tune" the quantum oscillations of the coherent superposed states; the OR is thus self-organized, or "orchestrated" ("Orch OR"). Each Orch OR event selects (non-computably) microtubule subunit states which regulate synaptic/neural functions using classical signaling. The quantum gravity threshold for self-collapse is relevant to consciousness, according to our arguments, because macroscopic superposed quantum states each have their own spacetime geometries. These geometries are also superposed, and in some way "separated," but when sufficiently separated, the superposition of spacetime geometries becomes significantly unstable and reduces to a single universe state. Quantum gravity determines the limits of the instability; we contend that the actual choice of state made by Nature is non-computable. Thus each Orch OR event is a self-selection of spacetime geometry, coupled to the brain through microtubules and other biomolecules. If conscious experience is intimately connected with the very physics underlying spacetime structure, then Orch OR in microtubules indeed provides us with a completely new and uniquely promising perspective on the difficult problems of consciousness.
This paper aims to systematically elaborate on "Generative Realism," a scientific-philosophical framework. Based on cutting-edge achievements in quantum mechanics, complex systems theory, and cosmology, this framework attempts to transcend traditional subject-object dualism. Its core thesis is: the "reality" we perceive is an emergent whole co-created by material systems and cognitive patterns through dynamic, multi-level "generative processes." This paper argues that both the measurement problem in quantum mechanics and the emergence of consciousness in the universe can be coherently explained within this unified framework, thereby providing a new intellectual path for understanding the grand spectrum from quantum phenomena to the nature of cognition.