Speculations on a Unified Theory of Matter and Mind
arXiv Preprint Archive November 8, 2001 via arXiv
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe authors propose a framework that attempts to unify mind and matter by extending quantum theory, treating information as more fundamental than either physical substance or thought. They ask whether consciousness is an accident or a natural consequence of the laws of nature, and whether those laws are identical to the laws of physics. The work is a theoretical or philosophical argument, not an empirical study, and does not report experimental results or data.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Physics.gen-ph Quantum foundations Mind-matter relationship Information theory |
| Key finding | Information is proposed as a more fundamental substrate than matter or thought, offering a potential basis for unifying mind and matter within an extended quantum formalism. |
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.