A Critical Classification of Colloquial Speculative Consciousness Hypotheses in Social Media: Fact, Theory, and Metaphysical Postulate
Qeios May 15, 2026 David Cawthorpe
This work critically examines speculative consciousness hypotheses circulating on social media, categorizing them as fact, theory, or metaphysical postulate. The author argues that many popular claims about consciousness—such as panpsychism or simulation theories—are often presented as established facts but lack empirical grounding, functioning instead as untestable metaphysical postulates. The classification system clarifies the epistemological status of these ideas, distinguishing between scientifically plausible theories and speculative beliefs. The analysis highlights how social media blurs these boundaries, leading to widespread misconceptions about what is known regarding consciousness.