The Quantum Structure of Knowledge

Diederik Aerts

We explain the quantum structure as due to the presence of two effects, (a) a real change of state of the entity under influence of the measurement and, (b) a lack of knowledge about a deeper deterministic reality of the measurement process. We present a quantum machine, where we can illustrate in a simple way how the quantum structure arises as a consequence of the two mentioned effects. We introduce a parameter epsilon that measures the size of the lack of knowledge on the measurement process, and by varying this parameter, we describe a continuous evolution from a quantum structure (maximal lack of knowledge) to a classical structure (zero lack of knowledge). We show that for intermediate values of epsilon we find a new type of structure, that is neither quantum nor classical. We apply the model that we have introduced to situations of lack of knowledge about the measurement process appearing in other regions of reality. More specifically we investigate the quantum-like structures that appear in the situation of psychological decision processes, where the subject is influenced during the testing, and forms some of his opinions during the testing process. Our conclusion is that in the light of this explanation, the quantum probabilities are epistemic and not ontological, which means that quantum mechanics is compatible with a determinism of the whole.

Howard M. Wiseman

Oleksandr Savinykh

This paper advances a deductive formulation of a consciousness-based ontology in which consciousness is posited as the sole ontological foundation of reality. Starting from a minimal set of axioms that introduce no external substances, the work develops a formal framework in which knowledge is represented as regular closed sets of actualized distinctions within a topological space of unified consciousness. Within this framework, the observer emerges as a stable localization of knowledge structures, and physical phenomena are derived as forms of the observer’s local knowledge rather than as independent ontological entities. Space and time are reinterpreted as epistemic structures describing relations and ordered transformations of stable knowledge configurations. Matter is defined as a highly stable, densely structured configuration of knowledge; mass as a measure of resistance of such structures to restructuring; energy and momentum as knowledge of the intensity and directionality of restructuring processes. Gravitation is shown to be a local manifestation of the global harmony of consciousness, aimed at preserving compactness, Hausdorffness, and connectedness of knowledge structures, and is demonstrated to be equivalent to the geometry of space. Singularities and black holes are interpreted as limits of the observer’s local knowledge rather than as physical infinities or objects. The proposed framework eliminates the dualism of consciousness and matter, unifies geometry, dynamics, and observation within a single formalized context, and provides an epistemic reinterpretation of classical physical relations. Physics, in this view, is understood as a structured mode of self-knowledge of consciousness through local observers. The results suggest new conceptual foundations for the philosophy of physics, epistemology, quantum theory, and the ontology of artificial intelligence.

Ellie D’Hondt, Prakash Panangaden

Cynthia Steger

The Theory of Persistence proposes that reality maintains structure through harmonic selection in viscous media. This paper elevates the framework from theory to theorem by demonstrating logical necessity. The Three Axioms: Reality is what persists (R = P) Persistence requires structure (P → S) Knowledge is structure (K = S) The Theorem: Given these axioms, reality and knowledge are necessarily the same category—both are structure. The traditional distinction between "real" (ontic) and "informational" (epistemic) dissolves. The Pusey-Barrett-Rudolph theorem (2012) proved quantum wavefunctions are "real" rather than merely "informational," preserving the ontic/epistemic distinction. The Persistence Theorem shows this distinction is incoherent: if what persists is real, persistence requires structure, and knowledge is structure, then reality and knowledge unify as structure. Knowing is structure recognizing structure. φ recognizing φ. The universe knowing itself is not metaphor but mathematical identity. "Everything sings" transforms from poetic description to logical necessity. The Theory of Persistence now has both empirical support (p < 0.001 across 69 gravitational wave events) and logical foundation (the Persistence Theorem).