Speculations on a Unified Theory of Matter and Mind
arXiv Preprint Archive November 8, 2001
Summary
The quest to bridge matter and consciousness reveals a fascinating possibility: information, not physical particles, may be nature's most fundamental building block. By extending quantum theory principles, this exploration suggests consciousness isn't merely a byproduct of brain activity, but rather emerges from the same information-based framework that governs physical reality. This unified approach offers a fresh perspective on how mind and matter could be two expressions of a single underlying phenomenon.
Abstract
Physics is so successful today in understanding the nature of matter. What can it say about mind ? Is it possible to have a unified theory of matter and mind within the framework of modern science ? Is Consciousness an accident or is it a natural consequence of laws of nature ? Are these laws of nature the same as the laws of physics ? We make an attempt here to unify mind with matter based on an extended formalism borrowed from Quantum theory where information plays a more fundamental role than matter or thought.