Quantum Spacetime and Consciousness Philip J. Carter First published: 26 Dec 2013 Version 4: 1 June 2014 A version of this paper appears in the Journal of NeuroQuantology, March 2014 http://www.neuroquantology.com Current version archived at http://vixra.org/abs/1312.0208 © Copyright Philip J. Carter 2013, 2014 philip (at) esotec.org http://physics.esotec.org Quantum Spacetime and Consciousness Abstract A higher-dimensional spacetime model is proposed, accounting for nonlocal quantum phenomena while embracing Special Relativity as a limiting case. The Aspect and Megidish experiments are explained within this spacetime framework. Time is understood as spatial motion relative to higher dimensions, offering the degrees of freedom demanded by nonlocal effects along with a consistent milieu for Kaluza’s 5-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell theory. Special Relativity and quantum mechanics converge in the higher dimensions to yield the origins of mass while providing a geometrical mechanism relating mass and spacetime curvature (gravity). Part Two introduces a consciousness model within the higher- dimensional spacetime framework, integrating elements of physics, psychology, philosophy and metaphysics. Evidence from dreams is shown to correspond to both the physical model and the consciousness model. A theory of perception is presented on the foregoing basis. Keywords: consciousness, quantum mechanics, wavefunction, relativity, nonlocality, entanglement, space, time, spacetime, mind, perception, qualia, dreams, branes, imaginary dimensions, higher dimensions Version 4 completes the logic of the Emergence of Time (Section 1.8) while further clarifying the general text. 1 Quantum Spacetime and Consciousness Contents Introduction 4 Part One: Quantum Spacetime 1.1 Te Magical Wavefunction 5 1.2 Special Relativit and Min!o"s!i Spacetime # 1.$ Te %ransactional Interpretation of Quantum Mec&anics ' 1.4 (ropagation of t&e Wavefunction ) 1.5 * Spatial Conte+t for t&e Wavefunction , 1.# Te *spect -+periment in Min!o"s!i 4.space 12 1.' Te Megidis& -+periment in Min!o"s!i 5.space 1$ 1.) Te Emergence of %ime 14 1., Kalu0a and t&e 5.1rane 1# 1.12 Relativit and t&e 3rigin of Mass 1) 1.11 Te 4ravitational Wavefunction 1, 1.12 Te Imaginar 5allac 22 1.1$ Te Man Worlds of Quantum Spacetime 22 Part Two: Consciousness and Perception 2.1 Te -+perience of (&enomenal Space 22 2.2 316ective and Su16ective Space 22 2.$ Mind and Matter 2$ 2.4 Quantum Spacetime and t&e -soteric Model 24 2.5 Relativistic Motion in Dreams 25 2.# Te Identit of Space and Consciousness 2# 2.' Te (& sics of (erception 2' 2.) (& sics in t&e 4.1rane $2 2., (& sics in t&e 5.1rane $2 2.12 -soteric Model of t&e 5.1rane $$ 2.11 Te *stonis&ing Mind $5 Conclusion $' 8otes $, References 42 2 Quantum Spacetime and Consciousness Figures 1 Te comple+ "avefunction 9pure momentum state: # 2 Min!o"s!i spacetime ' $ Te "avefunction as a standing "ave in pseudo-time ) 4 * spatial model of t&e universe , 5 Min!o"s!i 4.space 12 # 8ull surface in Min!o"s!i 5.space 11 ' Te *spect e+periment in t&e 4.1rane 12 ) Te Megidis& e+periment in Min!o"s!i 4-space 1$ , %ime and motion in t&e t&ree 1ranes 15 12 Cross product of imaginar dimensions 1' 11 * conte+t for Kalu0a 1' 12 Te "avefunction in Min!o"s!i 5.space 1) 1$ Te domain of t&e "avefunction 1, 14 Quantum Spacetime and t&e Tree Worlds 24 15 Te process of visual perception 2) 1# Su16ective perception of spatial e+tension in 5.space 2, 1' Te o1server and &is null surface $2 1) Spacetime in t&e 4.1rane $2 1, Spacetime in t&e 5.1rane $2 22 -soteric model of t&e 5.1rane $4 21 Consciousness in Quantum Spacetime $' 3 Quantum Spacetime and Consciousness Introduction Tat t&ere is consciousness in t&e universe is undeniable. Tat science in general; and p& sics in particular; do not address t&is most stri!ing of all o1servable p&enomena is glaring. Consciousness; so central to our e+istence; remains a m ster . < A. Zee =1> It should be no coincidence that neither consciousness nor the foundations of quantum mechanics enjoy a consistent theoretical basis within physics. This is not just a question of our theories being inadequate – there are no theories. While quantum mechanics is a phenomenally successful effective theory, it remains unexplained, as does consciousness. It might not be surprising, then, if the solution to one holds the key to the other. This paper develops a logical structure, a consistent conceptual framework embracing essential principles of both physics (as currently understood) and consciousness (as we experience it). As philosophers have pointed out for millennia, it is a truism that consciousness is the only thing we ever directly experience. How ironic, then, that the one thing we can ever truly know is the thing we know least about, while quantum mechanics undresses the material world – so called reality – leaving it but a ghostly apparition. I think it would be fair to say that most people who have seriously studied the foundations of quantum mechanics and/or consciousness would agree that a fundamental reorientation of perspective is required. The consensus would be that there is something we don’t understand which is preventing us from seeing the big picture. It follows that this new perspective will be something outside of our current worldview. So we should be prepared for the unexpected, perhaps something shocking. In reading this paper, then, I would ask the reader to be prepared for the unexpected, to expect to be challenged, both intellectually and philosophically. The frontiers of knowledge do not yield to timidity, and this is not easy ground. Part One erects a spacetime structure, what I call Quantum Spacetime, which can account for observed quantum phenomena while extending Special Relativity into higher dimensions. Part Two presents a consistent theory of consciousness in the context of Quantum Spacetime. In developing this theory of consciousness I introduce some ideas from esoteric philosophy – justified, I trust the reader will agree, by the consistent insights they bring. This work is presented as an honest effort to make sense of the nonsensical. Known facts (both experiential and mathematical) and logical consistency are the essential guides, wherever they may lead. The reader is invited to follow these logical threads, whether as a serious inquiry or as a philosophical frolic, to ruminate upon them, and to come to his or her own conclusions. 4 Quantum Spacetime and Consciousness Part One Quantum Spacetime 1.1 Te Magical Wa!e"unction Following from Bell’s theorem, experiments have demonstrated that the quantum wavefunction does not abide by the laws of Special Relativity, which limit signals to light speed [2]. What Einstein called “spooky action at a distance” is indeed a property of the wavefunction. Even while extended or divided in physical space, it appears to behave as a holistic entity, as if fully existent in one location. Moreover, so called entangled particles respond to each others state regardless of separation in space or time. To address these anomalies we begin by developing an appreciation for the phenomena as demonstrated. Referring to the first definitive demonstration of quantum nonlocality by Alan Aspect et al., philosopher of physics Tim Maudlin describes what he calls the quantum connection as follows [3]: Tere are at least t&ree features of t&e ?uantum connection "&ic& deserve our close attention@ 1. Te ?uantum connection is unattenuated@ Te ?uantum connection =in contrast to a force li!e gravit > appears to 1e unafected 1 distance. Quantum t&eor predicts e+actl t&e same correlations "ill continue unc&anged no matter &o" far apart t&e t"o "ings of t&e e+periment are. If *spect &ad put one "ing of &is e+periment on t&e moon &e "ould &ave o1tained precisel t&e same results. 8o classical force displa s t&is 1e&avior. 2. Te ?uantum connection is discriminating@ 4ravitational forces afect similarl situated o16ects in t&e same "a . Te ?uantum connection; &o"ever; is a private arrangement 1et"een our t"o p&otons. W&en one is measured its t"in is afected; 1ut no ot&er particle in t&e universe need 1e… Te ?uantum connection depends on &istor . 3nl particles "&ic& &ave interacted "it& eac& ot&er in t&e past seem to retain t&is po"er of private communication. $. Te ?uantum connection is faster t&an lig&t 9instantaneous:@ Te Special Teor =of Relativit > confers upon lig&t; or rat&er upon t&e speed of lig&t in a vacuum, a uni?ue role in t&e space-time structure. It is often said t&at t&is speed constitutes an absolute p& sical limit "&ic& cannot 1e 1roac&ed. If so; t&en no relativistic t&eor can permit instantaneous eAects or causal processes… Te ?uantum connection appears to violate t&is fundamental la"@ We cannot simpl accept t&e pronouncements of our 1est t&eories; no matter &o" strange; if t&ose pronouncements contradict eac& ot&er. Te t"o foundation stones of modern p& sics; Relativit and ?uantum t&eor ; appear to 1e telling us ?uite diAerent t&ings about t&e "orld. Further violating common sense, while the Aspect and similar experiments have focused on entanglement over spacelike separations, a team of Israeli researchers have demonstrated a more general prediction of the quantum formalism, being entanglement over timelike separations, meaning entanglement of quantum systems that have never coexisted. E. Megidish and colleagues describe the effect as follows [4]: In conclusion; "e &ave demonstrated ?uantum entanglement 1et"een t"o p&otons t&at do not s&are coe+istence.