A Theoretical Limit to Physicalism: A Non-Technical Explanation of the Gemini Theorem

TL;DR

The Gemini theorem demonstrates that, under certain assumptions, physical systems cannot be definitively aware of their own existence, challenging the notion of physicalism and implying potential violations of energy conservation in conscious brains.

Contribution

This paper provides a clear, non-technical explanation of the Gemini theorem and its proof, highlighting its implications for physical theories of consciousness.

Findings

No physical system can be certain of its own existence under the theorem's assumptions.

The theorem suggests potential violations of energy conservation in conscious human brains.

Stimulates critical discussion on the implications of physicalism and consciousness theories.

Abstract

The Gemini theorem asserts that, given certain reasonable assumptions, no physical system can be certainly aware of its own existence. The theorem can be proved algorithmically, but the proof of this theorem is somewhat obscure, and there exists very little literature on it. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief non-technical summary of the theorem and its proof, with a view to stimulating critical discussion of the proof and its implications. Since the theorem implies that a violation of the conservation of energy will take place within the brains of conscious human beings, it has obvious implications for any physical theory.