An Inquiry into the Frontiers of Physics: Implications for the Problem of Consciousness

Abstract

Consciousness and quantum mechanics both involve phenomena suggestive of nonlocal, or faster-than-light information transmission. This is a contradiction with relativity, which states that no information can travel faster than the speed of light. A nonmaterial message need not be subject to such constraints. It is proposed that, when approaching nonlocal phenomena, we should consider the possible role of dark energy, a nonmaterial substance that appears to occupy all space. Through an analysis of the Big Bang, a model of dark energy is developed in which two energies exist with opposing dimensional effects. The most important of these is a bivalent constructive-destructive effect. The predicted features of these dark energies correlate well with positive and negative affect. A new model of the mind, and of mental illness, is proposed in which the mind is comprised of two nonmaterial energies.