String Theory, Universal Mind, and the Paranormal (Physics has hit rock bottom)

www.arxiv.org ^ | Dec 2, 2003 | Brian D Josephson

[mikegi]

ABSTRACT

A model consistent with string theory is proposed for so-called paranormal phenomena such as extra-sensory perception (ESP). Our mathematical skills are assumed to derive from a special ‘mental vacuum state’, whose origin is explained on the basis of anthropic and biological arguments, taking into the need for the informational processes associated with such a state to be of a life-supporting character. ESP is then explained in terms of shared ‘thought bubbles’ generated by the participants out of the mental vacuum state. The paper concludes with a critique of arguments sometimes made claiming to ‘rule out’ the possible existence of paranormal phenomena.

Keywords: ESP, string theory, anthropic principle, thought bubble, universal mind, mental state

* To appear in the Proceedings of the 2nd. European Samueli Symposium, Freiburg, October 2003

[mikegi]

Has physics hit rock bottom??? Here we have a Nobel Prize winner promoting (handwaving, really) a theory of ESP and even psychokinesis. Sillystrings, vacuum states, etc. it's all there.

[Josephson needs to get with the program, Sillystrings has been replaced with M-Theory]

[farmfriend]

bttt

[general_re]

I dunno. The last silly string conference got a little out of hand...

[general_re]

"Sillystring theory" ping.

[Billthedrill]

The biggest conspiracy-theory nutcase I ever met was a physics professor. Smart guy when it came to quantum chromodynamics. Stupid as a post when it came to the high complexity of backing an automobile out of a parking place. I figure the wide ones ain't real deep and the deep ones ain't real wide.

[lelio]

bump for later reading.

[LiteKeeper]

INTREP -

[Consort]

A theory of everything has to include...........everything.

[metalboy]

I have a unified theory all worked out. It`s called "Hitlerys kampf" Hitlery Rodham struggles to become the ultimate ruler of both space, time and dimension

[KernFarmer]

Susskind's arguments suggest that reality may be much more complex than has normally been assumed. Further changes in fundamental science (which may include consideration of the influence of life) may be required to address this complexity. Since our proposals (such as thought bubbles emerging from some kind of background) do not involve the precise details of string theory, they may survive any such changes that fundamental science may undergo.

Sounds like it bubbled up from somewhere.

[Indie]

ESP is then explained in terms of shared ‘thought bubbles’ generated by the participants out of the mental vacuum state.

I will make the assertion that since ESP originates only when out of the mental vacuum state, that democRats to not have ESP.

[Yossarian]

I'll probably be flamed, but here goes anyways: in my life's experience as a highly rational high-level engineer, I've run across too much first hand to rule out things like ESP or clairvoyance.

Matter of fact, I'd have to rule them in, and if a guy like me is ruling them in, there must be a scientifically explainable phenomenon.

I'm not saying this physicist is doing a good job of investigating phenomena traditionally considered "paranormal", but eventually someone will come up with rational, provable theories explaining just how these things sometimes come about.

Brains are complex electro-chemical mechanisms that are not fully understood. The world of physics has a lot to understand about the world. Eventually they very might link up in surprising ways....

[servantoftheservant]

I have had dreams that have later occurred. Nothing spectacular....for example, dreaming of being in a mall, and then going to visit a relative in a town I've never been to and going to the mall I dreamed about. Freaked me out the first time it happened.

In my opinion, physics professionals that delve into the subtle are truly getting closer to the foundations of the universe.

[LibWhacker]

You have an unusual gift. Nothing like that has ever happened to me or anyone else I know. Oh, I did have a dream about the lottery numbers once. So I played them. None of them came up.

[glorgau]

The world is more connected than we can conciously know. Of course, that's just my opinion because I can't know ;-)

[stands2reason]

Do you have serial dreams? Or
"Groundhog Day" (the movie) type dreams where everything happens again except you have the ability to react differently?

[Pro-Bush]

String Theory is pretty much the only game in town for mainstream physicists in relation to the grand unified theory.

[DeepDish]

I did not read the article. I'll just wait to hear his interview with Art Bell.

[jnarcus]

Or perhaps, this is more like Jung's ideas on the Collective Unconscience....

[servantoftheservant]

Do you have serial dreams?

Nope...can't remember ever dreaming the same thing twice.