In this paper, we consider the unnecessarily antagonistic relation- ship between anomalies such as psychic phenomena ( ) and theoretical physics. Characteristics of Psi are discussed along with categories of possible explanation and mechanisms. A hypothetical Psi experiment is created to ex- plore the implications of random processes in which constraints are present, one of which may be on the future . A simple rotation of the experiment di- agram suggests nonlocality phenomena in quantum physics. A revision of our thinking about the concepts of causality and randomness are argued as key to a deeper understanding of Psi and the quantum realm in general.
In this paper, we consider the unnecessarily antagonistic relation- ship between anomalies such as psychic phenomena ( ) and theoretical physics. Characteristics of Psi are discussed along with categories of possible explanation and mechanisms. A hypothetical Psi experiment is created to ex- plore the implications of random processes in which constraints are present, one of which may be on the future . A simple rotation of the experiment di- agram suggests nonlocality phenomena in quantum physics. A revision of our thinking about the concepts of causality and randomness are argued as key to a deeper understanding of Psi and the quantum realm in general.
We note that, as soon as retroaction and nonlocality (in an ordered way) inter- fere with physical phenomena, we may get the impression of miracles (para- normal phenomena) from a local causal point of view: the latter cannot explain them. 2. We start from some well-known processes, such as Young's double-slit experi- ment and EPR, in order to extend relevant feedback processes and nonlocal co- herence to living organisms and their influence on the environment. 3. We explain how retroaction emanating from living organisms may take the shape of goal orientation and make psychokinesis (PK) and clairvoyance easier to understand. We discuss concrete models of PK and clairvoyance and of strik- ing coincidences and telepathy. 4. Our physical model joins with the observational that dominates in professional parapsychology. 5. We investigate how far such a model implies humankind to be a four- dimensional organism up to a certain degree, taking into account hitherto un- known interindividual unconscious communications. 6. In all, our theory implies a change of paradigm, which also leads to an integra- tion of deterministic God does not play dice and antireductionist A micro- process acts as a whole. That is, it introduces nonlocal determinism in which the psychological dimension is inherent.
Abstract—The problem of devising a theory for paranormal phenomena (psi) may be separated into, first, the basic physical mechanism and second, the psychological aspects of how and when people are able to elicit psi. Observational theory addresses primarily the first aspect, the basic physical mechanism of psi. A problem is that the known types of physical interaction do not fit the existing data. The measurement problem in quantum mechanics can be used to hypothe-size an observer who adds information at the collapse of the wave function. For each random event one of the possible outcomes becomes realized as the event is being observed. The basic tenet of observational theory is: the statis-tics of single events become biased if the observer is motivated and prefers one of the possible outcomes over the other. Features of observational theory are: its predictive power, proven with re-gard to retroactive psychokinesis (PK); parsimony: the same mechanism ex-plains ESP as well as PK; fruitfulness, as there is a direct relationship with quantum mechanics; and openness to crucial experiments. The falsifiability criterion poses some problems: these are discussed in relation to Lakatos’ methodology of research programmes. Observational theory is a solution to the problem of the mediation of psi, thus providing a framework for the psychological problem of the manifesta-tion of psi. Henceforth, the observation of the outcome should be regarded as formal part of parapsychological experiments. There is reason for cautious, patient optimism about the acceptance of observational theory.
One of the deep mysteries facing science concerns how the subjective aspect of consciousness (qualia) comes to exist. There is a possibility that psychic phenomena (psi) can provide an answer since psi and qualia may have the same source. Although I'm a psi skeptic I would love to see reliable data supporting it, since that could then usher in an exciting new exploration into brain mechanisms and would force fundamental physics to change. This paper explores four different approaches for understanding qualia and psi: 1) Modify physics. Four quite different approaches will be discussed: a) a modified Born Rule, b) a modification to general relativity, c) a Bohmian update of hidden variables, and d) adding a panpsychic ‘psychon' to QED. 2) Surprising emergence. This is the view whereby the neuroscience and psychology of the future will show how qualia and psi can come about by surprising brain mechanisms. 3) Panentheism and Cosmic Mind. In this view, consciousness is primary and possibly not amenable to scientific explanation. 4) Awesome illusion. Here, "qualia" is an ill-posed question and will therefore not be answered by science. For psi, being an illusion means that the past experiments are not replicable when steps are taken to satisfy friendly skeptics like me. Although I am a skeptic, I strongly hope that psi is replicable since that would usher in a revolution in physics and neuroscience. It could even lead to an understanding of qualia.
The principle of cause and effect is deeply rooted in human experience, so much so that it is routinely and tacitly assumed throughout science, even by scientists working in areas where time symmetry is theoretically ingrained, as it is in both classical and quantum physics. Experiments are said to cause their results, not the other way around. In this informal paper, we argue that this assumption should be replaced with a more general notion of mutual influence — bi‐directional relations or constraints on joint values of two or more variables. From an analysis based on quantum entropy, it is proposed that quantum measurement is a unitary three‐interaction, with no collapse, no fundamental randomness, and no barrier to backward influence.Experimental results suggesting retrocausality are seen frequently in well‐controlled laboratory experiments in parapsychology and elsewhere, especially where a random element is included. Certain common characteristics of these experiments give the appearance of contradicting well‐established physical laws, thus providing an opportunity for deeper understanding and important clues that must be addressed by any explanatory theory. We discuss how retrocausal effects and other anomalous phenomena can be explained without major injury to existing physical theory. A modified quantum formalism can give new insights into the nature of quantum measurement, randomness, entanglement, causality, and time.
The question of whether an «understanding» of quantum phenomena is possible, as raised by Cushing (1991), is considered in terms of a possible revision of basic ontological assumptions which would make rational the pursuit of such an understanding. It is argued that the quantum theory imposes new constraints on ontology which force us to revise classical presuppositions about attributing properties to physical systems, about locality and individuality, and about interaction and space-like separability. Through such ontological revision, it is argued, one may still rationally hope to satisfy the typically realist thirst for an understanding of quantum phenomena.
This paper explores the role of the mind in the physical world. We begin with a brief introduction to distinct types of retrocausal phenomena connected with parapsychology and physics. We provide an introduction to laws of quantum mechanics (QM) that lead some to surmise connections between QM and psychic phenomena (psi). Next, we present our argument that verification of psi will require changes to QM. As a possible placeholder for these changes we introduce “Mind”, from Cartesian dualism. This area of research points the way to connections between two fundamental issues in science: the mind-matter hard problem and the measurement problem of QM. Positive outcomes of carefully executed experiments could demonstrate a close relationship between these two problems, including the possibility that sentience plays an important role in the fundamental laws of physics. We focus on a version of Daryl Bem’s seeing the future experiments, which should allow for discrimination between various interpretations of QM. Finally, although the authors are psi skeptics, we suggest methodologies that may enable psi phenomena to be acceptable to mainstream science.