The Parallel Principle

TL;DR

This paper proposes a modified physical theory linking subjective consciousness with physical states, providing a model for psycho-physical interaction and discussing implications for quantum state reduction and consciousness.

Contribution

It introduces a new hypothesis connecting subjective experiences with physical states, extending von Neumann's psycho-physical parallelism with a general interaction model.

Findings

A specific model of psycho-physical interaction is developed.

Implications for quantum state reduction and consciousness are discussed.

An experimental test of the hypothesis is proposed.

Abstract

Von Neumann's psycho-physical parallelism requires the existence of an interaction between subjective experiences and material systems. A hypothesis is proposed that amends physics in a way that connects subjective states with physical states, and a general model of the interaction is provided. A specific example shows how the theory applies to pain consciousness. The implications concerning quantum mechanical state creation and reduction are discussed, and some mechanisms are suggested to seed the process. An experiment that tests the hypothesis is described elsewhere. Key Words: von Neumann, psycho-physical, consciousness, state reduction, state collapse, macroscopic superpositions, conscious observer.