Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Journal of Consciousness Studies

What Could Prototime Be?

Sam Baron, Floris Diederik Johannes Eskens

Published Feb 1, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Schneider and Bailey (this issue) propose a 'prototime' interpretation of quantum mechanics. We consider the question of what prototime could be. To do this we offer a framework for thinking about different theories of time, and argue that prototime is time based on this framework. We close by offering an alternative interpretation of prototime that treats it in modal, rather than temporal, terms.

DOI
10.53765/20512201.33.1.147

Related papers

The Contextual Character of Modal Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics

Graciela Domenech, Héctor Freytes, Christian DE RONDE

In this article we discuss the contextual character of quantum mechanics in the framework of modal interpretations. We investigate its historical origin and relate contemporary modal interpretations to those proposed by M. Born and W. Heisenberg. We present then a general characterization of what we consider to be a modal interpretation. Following previous papers in which we have introduced modalities in the Kochen-Specker theorem, we investigate the consequences of these theorems in relation to the modal interpretations of quantum mechanics.

arXiv:0705.1660•May 11, 2007•2 citations

Time in Quantum Theory

H. D. Zeh

The concept of time as used in various applications and interpretations of quantum theory is briefly reviewed.

arXiv:0705.4638•May 31, 2007•2 citations

The Emergence of Space-time and the Emergence of Consciousness: Could They Be One and the Same? A Comment on Schneider and Bailey's 'Superpsychism'

Karen Crowther, Hedda Hassel Mørch

In 'Superpsychism', Susan Schneider and Mark Bailey (this issue) propose that space-time and ordinary (human-level) consciousness both emerge from a fundamental, non-spatio-temporal level of reality consisting of a network of maximally coherent, zero entropy quantum entanglement relations, termed prototime, which also instantiates a fundamental form of consciousness, termed superconsciousness. We raise some objections to this view, considered as an explanation or reduction of space-time, as an interpretation of quantum mechanics, and as a theory of consciousness, questioning the extent of its explanatory advantages in each of these areas.

Journal of Consciousness Studies•Feb 1, 2026•0 citations

The inner structure of time

Matheus Pereira Lobo

Based on the idea that time is computation, we discuss one interpretation regarding the inner structure of time that explains quantum superposition.

•Jun 20, 2022•1 citation

Consciousness in an Undivided Cosmos: David Bohm's Tripartite Vision of Wholeness

Sara Ekenstierna

In this article, Schneider and Bailey's prototime interpretation of quantum mechanics is explored in relation to David Bohm's deterministic non-local hidden variables theory, and his later conceptualization of an implicate order, which is a theory of complementarity rather than determinism. Schneider and Bailey argue that quantum entanglement occurs not in space-time but in a fundamental aspatial domain known as prototime, which bridges ordinary time and timeless reality. It is causal but unorthodox in the sense that causality does not occur in space-time. This notion has some connections to Bohm's quantum mechanics (hidden variable) but not with his theory of implicate-explicate orders per se, where the material and mental phenomena are projections of a third, unified source. The article discusses the implications of dual-aspect monism and elaborations of the concept of entanglement which both interpretations (the implicate order and prototime) argue could reconcile inconsistencies between quantum mechanics and relativity theory. While consciousness in both cases emerges from an holistically entangled structure beyond space and time, the latter does not recognize a neutral third as such — a key feature of dual-aspect monism — but there is a super-entangled object (a 'megaobject').

Journal of Consciousness Studies•Feb 1, 2026•1 citation

Towards a new interpretation of quantum mechanics?

André Julg, Pierre Julg

Abstract Quantum mechanics is a remarkable formalism for studying problems in the microscopic domain, and nobody has reasonably contested its power. Nevertheless, in spite of the many interpretations which have been proposed, its true meaning is far from being clear. The aim of this preliminary paper is to show that it is possible to conceive within a classical framework an interpretation of quantum mechanics and to make its limits of validity precise.

International Journal of Quantum Chemistry•Feb 1, 1983•4 citations
Schneider and Bailey (this issue) propose a 'prototime' interpretation of quantum mechanics. We consider the question of what prototime could be. To do this we offer a framework for thinking about different theories of time, and argue that prototime is time based on this framework. We close by offering an alternative interpretation of prototime that treats it in modal, rather than temporal, terms.
In this article we discuss the contextual character of quantum mechanics in the framework of modal interpretations. We investigate its historical origin and relate contemporary modal interpretations to those proposed by M. Born and W. Heisenberg. We present then a general characterization of what we consider to be a modal interpretation. Following previous papers in which we have introduced modalities in the Kochen-Specker theorem, we investigate the consequences of these theorems in relation to the modal interpretations of quantum mechanics.
In 'Superpsychism', Susan Schneider and Mark Bailey (this issue) propose that space-time and ordinary (human-level) consciousness both emerge from a fundamental, non-spatio-temporal level of reality consisting of a network of maximally coherent, zero entropy quantum entanglement relations, termed prototime, which also instantiates a fundamental form of consciousness, termed superconsciousness. We raise some objections to this view, considered as an explanation or reduction of space-time, as an interpretation of quantum mechanics, and as a theory of consciousness, questioning the extent of its explanatory advantages in each of these areas.
In this article, Schneider and Bailey's prototime interpretation of quantum mechanics is explored in relation to David Bohm's deterministic non-local hidden variables theory, and his later conceptualization of an implicate order, which is a theory of complementarity rather than determinism. Schneider and Bailey argue that quantum entanglement occurs not in space-time but in a fundamental aspatial domain known as prototime, which bridges ordinary time and timeless reality. It is causal but unorthodox in the sense that causality does not occur in space-time. This notion has some connections to Bohm's quantum mechanics (hidden variable) but not with his theory of implicate-explicate orders per se, where the material and mental phenomena are projections of a third, unified source. The article discusses the implications of dual-aspect monism and elaborations of the concept of entanglement which both interpretations (the implicate order and prototime) argue could reconcile inconsistencies between quantum mechanics and relativity theory. While consciousness in both cases emerges from an holistically entangled structure beyond space and time, the latter does not recognize a neutral third as such — a key feature of dual-aspect monism — but there is a super-entangled object (a 'megaobject').