COSMOS MIND AND LIFE: Is Mind in Spacetime?

COSMOS MIND AND LIFE: Is Mind in Spacetime?

S. Kauffman, S Patra

Abstract

We attempt in this article to formulate a conceptual and testable framework weaving Cosmos, Mind and Life into a whole. We build on four recent discoveries, each requiring more evidence:

i. The particles of the Standard Model, SU(3) x SU(2) x U(1), are formally capable of collective autocatalysis. This leads us to ask what roles such autocatalysis may have played in Cosmogenesis, and in trying to answer, Why our Laws? Why our Constants? A capacity of the particles of SU(3) x SU(2) x U(1) for collective autocatalysis may be open to experimental test, stunning if confirmed.

ii. Reasonable evidence now suggests that matter can expand spacetime. The first issue is to establish this claim at or beyond 5 sigma if that can be done. If true, this process may elucidate Dark Matter, Dark Energy and Inflation and require alteration of Einstein’s Field Equations. Cosmology would be transformed.

iii. Evidence at 6.49 sigma suggests that mind can alter the outcome of the two-slit experiment. If widely and independently verified, the foundations of quantum mechanics must be altered. Mind plays a role in the universe. That role may include Cosmic Mind. iv. All 6700 prokaryotes have small molecule collectively autocatalytic sets with no DNA, RNA, or protein polymers. This suggests that life in the universe arose as a phase transition forming such sets as the molecular diversity of the universe increased. Life may be expected.

Our considerations concern:

1. Ontologically Real Potentia and the Unmanifest;

2. Nonlocality as Fundamental;

3. Res potentia, Res extensa, and Actualization;

4. Mind and Qualia, Mind is not in Spacetime;

5. Quantum Vacuum = Potentia not in Spacetime = Mind not in Spacetime;

6. Mind can Actualize Potentia;

7. The emergence of the classical world;

8. Co-evolution of life and ever -more complex matter;

9. Why “My Mind”?;

10. Each embodied mind is coupled bilaterally to the Quantum Vacuum that is Cosmic Mind;

11. Responsible Free Will.

We hope we have made progress.