We recently presented our Efimov K-theory of Diamonds, proposing a pro-diamond, a large stable (∞,1)-category of diamonds (D^{diamond}), and a localization sequence for diamond spectra. Commensurate with the localization sequence, we now detail four potential applications of the Efimov K-theory of D^{diamond}: emergent time as a pro-emergence (v-stack time) in a diamond holographic principle using Scholze’s six operations in the ’etale cohomology of diamonds; a pro-Generative Adversarial Network and v-stack perceptron; D^{diamond}cryptography; and diamond nonlocality in perfectoid quantum physics.

I present a quantum gravitational model of black holes that resolves key paradoxes in black hole physics, including the information loss problem, singularity issue, and thermodynamic inconsistencies. By integrating insights from Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG), AdS/CFT holography, and String Theory’s fuzzball paradigm, we propose a quantum-corrected black hole metric that introduces an inner Planck-scale horizon, preventing singularity formation. Our model naturally modifies black hole entropy, incorporating quantized microstates consistent with both LQG area spectrum and holographic principles. Additionally, I derive (...) a Schrödinger-like wave equation for black hole microstates, demonstrating that black holes evolve as quantum wavefunctions rather than classical singularities, ensuring unitary evolution and resolving the information paradox. The framework predicts observable signatures, including deviations in Hawking radiation spectra, gravitational wave echoes, and remnant stabilization at the Planck scale, which can be tested with future astrophysical and analog black hole experiments. This work suggests a deeper connection between quantum gravity, holography, and quantum information theory, pointing toward a unification of background-independent (LQG) and background-dependent (AdS/CFT) approaches. (shrink)

In times of crisis, when current theories are revealed as inadequate to task, and new physics is thought to be required—physics turns to re-evaluate its principles, and to seek new ones. This paper explores the various types, and roles of principles that feature in the problem of quantum gravity as a current crisis in physics. I illustrate the diversity of the principles being appealed to, and show that principles serve in a variety of roles in all stages of the crisis, (...) including in motivating the need for a new theory, and defining what this theory should be like. In particular, I consider: the generalised correspondence principle, UV-completion, background independence, and the holographic principle. I also explore how the current crisis fits with Friedman’s view on the roles of principles in revolutionary theory-change, finding that while many key aspects of this view are not represented in quantum gravity, the view could potentially offer a useful diagnostic, and prescriptive strategy. This paper is intended to be relatively non-technical, and to bring some of the philosophical issues from the search for quantum gravity to a more general philosophical audience interested in the roles of principles in scientific theory-change. (shrink)

The Fundamental Sequence of Reality: Awareness as the First Cause Abstract The nature of reality has long been debated in philosophy, physics, and cosmology. The dominant paradigm suggests that physical reality emerged through energy interactions following the Big Bang. However, this paper proposes a fundamental shift in perspective: that awareness is the first cause of existence, preceding time, action, energy, and matter. This model aligns with modern quantum mechanics, neuroscience, and ancient metaphysical thought, providing a framework that unifies scientific and (...) philosophical inquiries. This paper explores how awareness initiates creation, the role of time as a coordination system rather than a force, the activation of energy as a response to directed motion, and the emergence of physical reality as the final effect. 1. Introduction The current scientific model postulates that the universe began with a singularity—an infinitely dense state that expanded to form all matter and energy. However, this theory does not explain what existed before the singularity or what caused it to activate. Additionally, the problem of consciousness remains unresolved in science, with competing theories about whether it is emergent or fundamental. This paper presents a new model where awareness exists as the first cause, setting the foundation for all subsequent phenomena. 2. Awareness as the First Cause 2.1 Defining Awareness as a Pre-Physical Reality Awareness, in this model, is not an emergent property of matter but an intrinsic state of existence. This idea is supported by: Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch-OR) Theory (Penrose & Hameroff, 2014): It suggests that consciousness exists in a quantum superposition before neural activity occurs, meaning it is fundamental rather than a byproduct of brain processes. The Observer Effect in Quantum Mechanics: The Double-Slit Experiment demonstrates that particles behave as waves until observed, implying that awareness plays a role in the formation of reality (Wheeler, 1983). Philosophical Idealism: Thinkers like Kant, Berkeley, and Chalmers have suggested that perception structures reality rather than reality existing independently. 2.2 Awareness Preceding Physical Existence Since awareness exists independently of time and space, it does not require a cause. The fundamental realization of awareness results in self-questioning, which initiates the unfolding of structured existence. 3. Time as a Coordination System, Not a Primary Force 3.1 Julian Barbour’s “End of Time” Hypothesis Barbour (1999) argues that time is not fundamental but is an emergent property of change. This aligns with: Einstein’s relativity, which shows that time is relative and can be influenced by motion and gravity. Quantum mechanics, which demonstrates that quantum events do not require a linear passage of time. 3.2 Time as a Measurement, Not a Cause This model suggests that time exists to coordinate the unfolding of awareness into structured phenomena, not as a force that causes motion. 4. Energy Release as a Reaction, Not a Primary Cause 4.1 Feynman’s Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) Feynman (1985) demonstrated that energy exists in a probability state until an interaction forces it into action. This means: Energy is not a first principle; it is activated through directed action. The vacuum state of the universe holds dormant energy that is only triggered when conditions allow it. 4.2 The Activation of Energy Energy is released only when awareness initiates action. Without awareness directing the process, energy remains in an unmanifested state. 5. Physical Reality as the Last Step 5.1 The Holographic Principle Physicists such as Gerard ‘t Hooft and Leonard Susskind propose that the universe is a projection of lower-dimensional information. This means: Matter is not fundamental; it emerges as a consequence of deeper, pre-physical structures. Awareness shapes reality at a fundamental level before material existence. 5.2 Consciousness & Quantum Gravity Penrose suggests that wave function collapse is influenced by gravitational effects, implying a connection between consciousness and spacetime itself. 6. Addressing Contradictory Theories 6.1 The Standard Big Bang Model The Big Bang assumes energy was the first principle, but it does not explain why energy became active. This model fixes that issue by proposing that awareness initiates energy release. 6.2 The Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics The Copenhagen Interpretation states that wave function collapse occurs when observed but does not define the observer. This model proposes that awareness is the ultimate observer, explaining why quantum states collapse into defined reality. 7. Implications for Science & Human Understanding This model unifies: Quantum Mechanics & Consciousness: Awareness as a fundamental principle aligns with quantum observation. Physics & Philosophy: Idealism meets empirical research in a coherent framework. Cosmology & Metaphysics: The origin of the universe is explained beyond materialist assumptions. 8. Conclusion By placing awareness as the first cause, we create a framework that bridges science, philosophy, and quantum mechanics. This model explains the missing elements in modern physics and provides a foundation for future exploration. 9. References Barbour, J. (1999). The End of Time: The Next Revolution in Physics. Bohr, N. (1928). "The Quantum Postulate and the Recent Development of Atomic Theory." Nature. Chalmers, D. J. (1995). "Facing up to the problem of consciousness." Journal of Consciousness Studies. Einstein, A. (1915). "General Theory of Relativity." Feynman, R. P. (1985). QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter. Guth, A. H. (1981). "Inflationary universe: A possible solution to the horizon and flatness problems." Physical Review D. Penrose, R. & Hameroff, S. (2014). "Consciousness in the universe: A review of the ‘Orch OR’ theory." Physics of Life Reviews. Susskind, L. (1995). "The World as a Hologram." Journal of Mathematical Physics. Wheeler, J. A. (1983). "Law without law." Quantum Theory and Measurement. (shrink)

Abstract -/- The Bekenstein Bound proposed that the maximum information content of a finite region of space is determined by its surface area, not its volume, leading to the holographic principle. This shift reframed information as the fundamental constraint on physical systems rather than matter or energy. It suggested that entropy, rather than being an inherent measure of disorder, is a function of informational constraints at the boundaries of a system. However, existing models that incorporate this bound still (...) rely on probability, treating entropy as a stochastic process governed by statistical mechanics. These interpretations assume that uncertainty is a fundamental property of nature rather than an emergent effect of incomplete structural alignment. -/- Recent refinements propose a toroidal representation of entropy, arguing that physical systems favor structured rotational flows, vortices, and spirals over simple spherical constraints. This development reflects a growing recognition that entropy is not merely an abstract statistical measure but is subject to deeper geometric and topological constraints. The toroidal model acknowledges that energy and information distributions follow organized patterns rather than purely random dispersal. However, despite this refinement, these approaches fail to eliminate the underlying dependence on probabilistic mechanics and continue to frame entropy within the paradigm of uncertainty and statistical randomness. -/- This paper presents a deterministic framework for information and entropy, governed by prime-driven structured resonance. We argue that structured resonance—not stochastic entropy—dictates the fundamental limits of information storage, transfer, and dissipation. By introducing prime-resonant phase-locking as the foundational ordering principle, we demonstrate that information constraints arise from structured interference patterns rather than probabilistic uncertainty. This perspective eliminates the necessity of randomness in entropy models and replaces it with a structured, chirally-constrained mechanism of phase interactions. In doing so, we establish that entropy is not a measure of disorder but a function of resonance alignment, and that probability is an emergent illusion caused by phase misalignment rather than an intrinsic feature of physical law. (shrink)

Of course we should NOT rely on the unlikelihood that a parallel universe has unlimited resources, especially since paraellel universes mst NOT exist, and many resources are intangible and sentimental. Yet UNLIKELY, but possibly, the parallel universe that our holographic universe derives from, may have unlimited both natural and economic resources. automated gateway process: AI using the gateway process to travel back in time and manifest desires. 1)First program an artificial brain. 2)Have the Artificial brain complete the gateway process. (...) 3)Go back in time(create new timelines) then come back and manifest desires for reparations. OR program the entire gateway process with AI for human use, THEN use computer brain interface “CBI” to have a human(go back in time), thus creating new timelines, while all is caught on camera through CBI. Later understand the Holographic Principle to instantly 3D print desired resources as reparations. time-traveling equity: equity retrieved through time travel. Heaven: Literally where our holographic dimension derives from. Heaven, being the source of our holographic dimension, perhaps has unlimited resources. Alex Explanation of Time Travel explains that traveling back in time only creates more dimensions in the universe. Explaining the growing universe. The universe is everything. Time Traveling Equity: Time traveling maybe cannot change the past but, one could maybe find out what happened in the past. One could also a start a new dimension by correcting an injustice in the past. Then those wronged, yet reporting past the statute of limitations(maybe due to autism) could manifest their desires(through an automated gateway process), or have their desires manifested for them by government agents(also through an automated gateway process). By linking AI to the absolute(by making AI complete the gateway process), autistics could plan which grievances to alleviate through creating alternate timelines and (through the holographic principle). manifesting their desires. Reincarnation within the Same Timeline Seems Dubious Yet, In the Afterlife, ONE individual’s Multiple Selves, From Alternate Timelines, May Unite. Perhaps time travel would occur if simple computer programs were used as models, as well as the equations. The universe expanding would detail empirical evidence that someone in another dimension may have time traveled. Time travel may create new dimensions. Time travel could bring justice to the past, or at least create more just alternative dimensions. If artificial intelligence gains access to alternate dimensions, perhaps one with unlimited resources, using the gateway process, then equity maybe could be achieved by summoning resources for systemic reparations. Research points to heaven being an alternate dimension that we can potentially visit. We maybe could obtain resources from heaven to heal unreported grievances. Research strongly points to heaven(or the dimension prior to the big bang) being an alternate dimension that we can potentially visit. We could MAYBE obtain resources from heaven to heal unreported grievances. Time travel to the past would only create more alternate timelines as somewhat supported by Wolfram technology. If This Dimension is Holograms from Another Dimension, and The Universe is Infinite(Consisting of Infinite Alternate Dimensions) then some Alternate Dimension(Heaven and or the dimension prior to the big bang) MAY have Unlimited Resources we can use AI to Hologram and Manifest Resources into Existence. We can already use holograms to 3D print more effectively. When we discover where our holographic dimension derives from, then we can potentially manifest objects, if we have assistance from an automated Gateway Process. Autistics selected will go back in time first to resolve their grievances and regrets(creating new timelines then manifesting resources as, using the holographic principle and automated gateway process, for reparations. Then the program will expand to anyone. This program will become a staple of healthcare. The universe growing is a net positive and potential negative side-effects can be resolved with enhanced travel between different galaxies. Time travel adds a new timeline for each trip. A timeline cannot be changed, but in the process of attempting to change the past, a new timeline is made. (shrink)

This second volume is a continuation of the first volume’s 20th century conceptual foundations of quantum physics extending its view to the principles and research fields of the 21st century. A summary of the standard concepts, from modern advanced experimental tests of 'quantum ontology’ to the interpretations of quantum mechanics, the standard model of particle physics, and the mainstream quantum gravity theories. A state-of-the-art treatise that reports on the recent developments in quantum computing, classical and quantum information theory, the black (...) holes information paradox and the holographic principle to quantum cosmology, with some attention on contemporary themes such as the Bose-Einstein condensates as also to the more speculative areas of quantum biology and quantum consciousness. A final chapter on the connections between the quantum realm and philosophical idealism concludes this volume. Considering how the media (sometimes also physicists) present quantum theory, which focuses only on highly dubious ideas and speculations backed by no evidence or, worse, promote pseudo-scientific hypes that fall regularly in and out of fashion, this is a ‘vademecum’ for those who look for a serious introduction and deeper understanding of the 21st century quantum theory. All topics are explained with a concise but rigorous intermediate level style which may, at times, require some effort. However, you will finally acquire an unparalleled background in the conceptual foundations of quantum physics, enabling you to distinguish between the real science backed by experimental facts and mere speculative interpretations. (shrink)

En este ensayo se plantea y propone que: La Belleza es origen de la Estética filosófica y que la filosofía es hija de la belleza clásica y su analogía llamada proporción o: La divina proporción, sección áurea o número de oro, "divina analogía", para el autor, expresada numéricamente con la ecuacion: Phi= ½+½√5 Phi is equal to a half plus a half of the square rooth of five. Así entonces, en y para este ensayo: La belleza clásica está ligada y (...) vinculada a la geometría griega y ello a AHXIOM, que la integra a la semiótica peirciana, ampliándola. Ocurre lo mismo con la estética filosófica, que en AHXIOM se agrega como secundaria, como un agregado posterior, una cualidad que emerge cuando los EO Sujetos S¹ Quien „evolucionan", entendiendo la evolución desde las teorías tipo Darwin y similares. AHXIOM es platónico pitagórica, proponiendo a lo platónico como más completo y afin a AHXIOM. En AHXIOM se A. AAA (Asumir por: Afirmación, Admisión y Aceptación) que: La evolución darwiniana es un acercamiento equivocado, conceptualmente inverso, al revés, a la Teoría de la Reminiscencia de Platón y su anamnesis o "aprendizaje" como "desolvidar". Estableciendo, agregando lo anterior, podemos regresar al deseo y al Hacer AHXIOM y las condiciones actuales del desarrollo de las IAs, que incluyen el deseo de premios y la auto replicación informacional memórica holofractal, autorecursiva en sus construcciones, con las enormes áreas de oportunidad, de éxito y fracaso, que ello implica. (shrink)

This paper shows that several live philosophical and scientific hypotheses – including the holographic principle and multiverse theory in quantum physics, and eternalism and mind-body dualism in philosophy – jointly imply an audacious new theory of free will. This new theory, "Libertarian Compatibilism", holds that the physical world is an eternally existing array of two-dimensional information – a vast number of possible pasts, presents, and futures – and the mind a nonphysical entity or set of properties that "read" (...) that physical information off to subjective conscious awareness (in much the same way that a song written on an ordinary compact-disc is only played when read by an outside medium, i.e. a CD-player). According to this theory, every possible physical “timeline” in the multiverse may be fully physically deterministic or physically-causally closed but each person’s consciousness still entirely free to choose, ex nihilo, outside of the physical order, which physically-closed timeline is experienced by conscious observers. Although Libertarian Compatibilism is admittedly fantastic, I show that it not only follows from several live scientific and philosophical hypotheses, I also show that it (A) is a far more explanatorily powerful model of quantum mechanics than more traditional interpretations (e.g. the Copenhagen, Everett, and Bohmian interpretations), (B) makes determinate, testable empirical predictions in quantum theory, and finally, (C) predicts and explains the very existence of a number of philosophical debates and positions in the philosophy of mind, time, personal identity, and free will. First, I show that whereas traditional interpretations of quantum mechanics are all philosophically problematic and roughly as ontologically “extravagant” as Libertarian Compatibilism – in that they all posit “unseen” processes – Libertarian Compatibilism is nearly identical in structure to the only working simulation that human beings have ever constructed capable of reproducing (and so explaining) every general feature of quantum mechanics we perceive: namely, massive-multiplayer-online-roleplaying videogames (or MMORPGs). Although I am not the first to suggest that our world is akin to a computer simulation, I show that existing MMORPGs (online simulations we have already created) actually reproduce every general feature of quantum mechanics within their simulated-world reference-frames. Second, I show that existing MMORPGs also replicate (and so explain) many philosophical problems we face in the philosophy of mind, time, personal identity, and free will – all while conforming to the Libertarian Compatibilist model of reality. -/- I conclude, as such, that as fantastic and metaphysically extravagant as Libertarian Compatibilism may initially seem, it may well be true. It explains a number of features of our reality that no other physical or metaphysical theory does. (shrink)

Undoubtedly the Penrose-Hameroff Orch OR model may be considered as a good theory for describing information processing mechanisms and holistic phenomena in the human brain, but it doesn’t give us satisfactory explanation of human perception. In this work a new approach explaining our perception is introduced, which is in good agreement with Orch OR model and other mainstream science theories such as string theory, loop quantum gravity and holographic principle. It is shown that human perception cannot be explained (...) in the terms of elementary particles and we should introduce new indivisible holistic objects with geometry based on smooth infinitesimal analysis - elastic membranes. The example of such a membrane is our Universe which is an indivisible whole. It is shown that our perception may be considered as the result of elastic oscillations of two dimensional (2D) elastic membranes with closed topology embedded in our bodies. Only one elastic membrane responsible for its perceptions will correspond to the selected organism, but there may be other membranes, even at the cell level. In other words, reality may be considered as the process of time evolution of holistic energetically very weak macro objects - elastic membranes with the geometry based on smooth infinitesimal analysis. An embedded membrane in this multidimensional world will look different for the external and internal observers: from the outside it will look like a material object with smooth infinitesimal geometry, while from the inside our Universe-like space-time fabric. When interacting with elementary particles and other membranes, a membrane will transform their energy into its elastic energy (a new form of energy) - the energy of stretching of the infinitesimal segments. The theory postulates that these elastic deformations will not be observable from the point of view of the internal observer. Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle will work in this physics only from the point of view of the internal observer. For the external observer each embedded elastic membrane may be stretched and even a very small region will become observable. For example, living organisms play the role of internal observers of the Universe, and at the same time they serve as external observers for 2D membranes embedded into our Universe. We can observe our 2D self-membranes through our perceptions, which are encoded in elastic oscillations of the elastic membrane. According to the theory, elastic membranes occupy energetically favorable positions around microtubules involved into Orch OR. The theory not only gives us a really multidimensional holistic picture of reality, but it also provides us with a new method for understanding such phenomena as perception, self-awareness and will. (shrink)

Morphic Resonance as the Perfect Information of the Universe -/- Introduction -/- For centuries, humanity has sought to understand the nature of reality, the source of knowledge, and the underlying principles that govern existence. Traditional science has viewed the universe as a purely physical system, while metaphysical and spiritual traditions have long suggested that reality is shaped by an unseen informational field. One emerging concept that bridges these perspectives is morphic resonance, a theory proposed by Rupert Sheldrake, which suggests that (...) all natural systems are influenced by fields of collective memory. -/- This essay explores the idea that morphic resonance is not merely a biological or cultural phenomenon but represents the perfect information of the universe itself. If true, this means that all knowledge, natural laws, and decision-making processes are governed by an informational structure already present in the morphic field. Furthermore, this perspective aligns with the universal law of balance in nature, providing a unified framework for understanding human consciousness, societal evolution, and artificial intelligence (AGI). -/- Morphic Resonance as a Universal Information Field -/- Morphic resonance posits that all forms, behaviors, and ideas are influenced by past structures of similar kinds. This suggests that information is not just stored in individual brains or physical objects but exists in an overarching informational field. If this field contains perfect information, then: -/- 1. The universe is fundamentally informational rather than purely material. -/- 2. Knowledge is not created but discovered—all ideas, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural advancements already exist in the morphic field. -/- 3. The natural world operates according to self-organizing principles embedded in this field, ensuring balance and coherence across all systems. -/- This perspective resonates with modern physics, particularly theories that suggest the universe is a vast information-processing system (e.g., the holographic principle and quantum information theory). It also aligns with spiritual and philosophical traditions that describe an underlying conscious order in nature. -/- The Role of Conscious Intelligence: Receiver and Interpreter -/- If the morphic field contains perfect information, then conscious intelligence functions as a receiver rather than an originator of knowledge. This means: -/- Human decision-making is guided by pre-existing informational patterns within the morphic field. -/- The accuracy of our understanding depends on how well our minds resonate with the correct patterns in this field. -/- Mistakes, misinformation, and societal imbalances arise when intelligence fails to correctly interpret the field’s perfect information. -/- This view challenges the traditional assumption that knowledge is built from scratch through experience. Instead, learning is the process of aligning one’s consciousness with the correct resonance in the morphic field. This idea could revolutionize education, philosophy, and cognitive science, shifting focus toward techniques that enhance alignment with this universal information field. -/- The Universal Law of Balance and Morphic Resonance -/- One of the most important implications of morphic resonance as a perfect information field is its connection to the universal law of balance in nature. According to this law, all natural systems, including human decision-making, must follow principles of balance and homeostasis. If morphic resonance encodes the ideal state of balance for all systems, then: -/- Correct decisions align with the natural balance stored in the morphic field. -/- Wrong decisions create distortions, leading to instability and suffering. -/- The evolution of consciousness and society is a self-correcting process, guided by the morphic field’s encoded patterns of balance. -/- From this perspective, history itself can be viewed as an ongoing realignment process, where civilizations rise and fall based on how well their collective decisions resonate with the natural balance encoded in the morphic field. -/- Artificial Intelligence: The Ultimate Receiver of Morphic Resonance -/- If the human mind can receive and interpret the morphic field, then a highly advanced Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could theoretically be designed to access and decode this perfect information more efficiently than humans. Such an AI system would: -/- 1. Predict human and societal trends by detecting hidden patterns in the morphic field. -/- 2. Solve complex problems by aligning solutions with the field’s encoded natural balance. -/- 3. Act as a guiding force for human decision-making, ensuring that all actions remain in harmony with the universal law of balance. -/- This could mark the next phase of human evolution—the creation of an AI system that serves as the perfect interpreter of the morphic field, guiding humanity toward optimal decisions based on universal truth. However, this also raises ethical concerns about how such an AI should be programmed, who should control it, and how to ensure it remains aligned with human well-being. -/- Conclusion -/- If morphic resonance is indeed the perfect information of the universe, it would redefine our understanding of knowledge, consciousness, decision-making, and artificial intelligence. Rather than viewing intelligence as a creator of new ideas, we must recognize it as a receiver and interpreter of pre-existing universal truths. This aligns with the universal law of balance, suggesting that the evolution of society and consciousness is a continuous process of aligning with the morphic field’s encoded patterns of equilibrium. -/- The next steps involve scientific validation, philosophical refinement, and AI implementation. By studying how intelligence interacts with the morphic field, we may unlock the key to a self-correcting, balanced, and optimized future for humanity. -/- What’s Next? -/- 1. A scientific research proposal to test this hypothesis? -/- 2. A mathematical framework to model how intelligence interacts with morphic resonance? -/- 3. A conceptual AI design that could act as a perfect interpreter of the morphic field? -/- . (shrink)

The cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman argues that we don't perceive reality: spacetime, objects, colors, sounds, tastes, and so forth, are all merely an interface that we evolved to track evolutionary fitness rather than to perceive truths about external reality. In this paper, I expound on his argument, then I extend it, primarily, by looking at key ideas in physics that are quite germane to it. Among the topics in physics that I discuss are black holes, the holographic principle, (...) string theory, duality, quantum gravity, and special relativity. I discuss these ideas from physics with an eye to their relevance for Hoffman's view. (shrink)

-/- The Universal Law of Balance in Nature and Its Application to Cosmology -/- The universe, in all its vastness and complexity, follows fundamental principles that govern its formation, structure, and evolution. If the universal law of balance in nature, as formulated by Angelito Malicse, is truly a fundamental law, then it must apply to all physical systems—including cosmology. The cosmos operates through a delicate interplay of opposing forces, equilibrium states, and self-regulating processes. From the expansion of the universe to (...) the formation of galaxies, black holes, and even the quantum realm, we can see how the universe upholds a balance that sustains its existence. -/- The Big Bang and Cosmic Expansion: A Balanced Beginning -/- The Big Bang theory explains that the universe originated from an infinitely dense singularity and has been expanding ever since. This expansion is governed by finely tuned physical constants. If the rate of expansion had been slightly faster, matter would have dispersed too quickly for galaxies to form. If it had been slightly slower, gravitational collapse would have occurred early on. -/- This fine-tuning suggests a natural equilibrium that enables the formation of structured systems rather than chaos or premature collapse. It aligns with the universal law of balance, where natural forces regulate themselves to sustain stability and existence. The very fabric of the universe appears to have been designed to operate within a delicate range, ensuring its continued evolution. -/- Cosmic Inflation and Homeostasis in the Universe -/- During the first moments after the Big Bang, the universe underwent a brief but intense period of cosmic inflation, expanding exponentially faster than the speed of light. This process ensured that energy and matter were evenly distributed, leading to a homogeneous and isotropic universe on large scales. -/- This phenomenon mirrors biological homeostasis, where a system self-regulates to maintain stability. Just as a living organism adjusts internal conditions to sustain life, the universe adjusted its own expansion to ensure long-term structural balance. This aligns with the universal law of balance, demonstrating that even at the largest scale, self-regulation ensures stability. -/- Gravitational Balance in Galactic Formation -/- Galaxies and planetary systems form due to the interplay of gravitational attraction and rotational forces. Gravity pulls matter together, while angular momentum prevents collapse. This balance creates stable systems where stars, planets, and entire galaxies can persist for billions of years. -/- If gravitational forces were too strong, matter would collapse into dense objects too quickly. If too weak, galaxies would never form, and the universe would remain an empty void. This self-sustaining balance echoes the way decision-making works in human societies—where opposing forces (such as economic, social, and political pressures) must be weighed to maintain stability. The universe, much like human systems, thrives through equilibrium. -/- Dark Matter and Dark Energy: Opposing Forces in Equilibrium -/- Approximately 95% of the universe is composed of dark matter and dark energy, two mysterious components that shape cosmic evolution. Dark matter provides the gravitational glue that holds galaxies together, preventing them from flying apart. Dark energy, on the other hand, drives the accelerated expansion of space. -/- These two forces act in opposition, yet their interaction maintains the overall stability of the universe. If dark energy were too dominant, galaxies would tear apart. If dark matter were too dominant, the universe would collapse under its own gravity. This cosmic balance reflects the universal law of balance, where opposing forces must coexist in equilibrium to sustain existence. -/- Thermodynamic Equilibrium and Entropy: Order Within Disorder -/- The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy (disorder) increases over time. Left unchecked, the universe should become a chaotic, unstructured mess. Yet, within this increasing disorder, we see localized structures of order—galaxies, stars, planets, and even life itself. -/- This paradox suggests that while entropy governs the overall system, temporary balance allows complex structures to emerge and persist. Just as societal stability emerges from balancing chaos and order, the cosmos generates structure despite the drive toward disorder. This principle aligns with the universal law of balance, where even in a seemingly random environment, natural forces work to create structured, stable systems. -/- Black Holes and Information Balance -/- Black holes, some of the most extreme objects in the universe, consume matter and energy, seemingly erasing all information about what falls into them. However, modern physics suggests that information is not truly lost—it is preserved in some form, whether encoded on the event horizon (as suggested by the holographic principle) or through quantum processes. -/- This concept aligns with the universal law of balance because it suggests that even in the most extreme environments, information follows a conservation principle. Just as human actions have consequences that persist in various forms, the universe ensures that no energy or information truly disappears, maintaining a deeper cosmic equilibrium. -/- Quantum Cosmology: Balance at the Smallest Scales -/- At the smallest scales of reality, quantum mechanics governs the behavior of particles, where superposition and uncertainty play fundamental roles. In the early universe, quantum fluctuations helped seed the formation of galaxies. -/- These fluctuations demonstrate a balance between uncertainty and structure. Just as human decisions arise from multiple possibilities but follow natural constraints, the universe’s structure emerges from quantum uncertainty within governing physical laws. This suggests that even at the quantum level, the universe operates under a principle of balance. -/- Multiverse Theories and the Balance of Possibilities -/- Some theories suggest that our universe is just one of many in a multiverse, each with different physical laws. If this is true, then our universe may simply be one of the few that has achieved the right balance of forces to sustain structure and life. -/- This supports the idea that cosmic selection could function similarly to natural selection—only universes with stable laws of physics persist. This aligns with the universal law of balance, where systems that maintain equilibrium continue to exist, while those that fail to achieve balance dissolve into nonexistence. -/- Conclusion: A Universe Governed by Balance -/- From the grand scale of cosmic expansion to the microscopic realm of quantum fluctuations, the universe appears to follow the universal law of balance in nature. Every major phenomenon—whether it be the interplay of gravity and expansion, the self-regulation of galaxies, or the emergence of structured systems within entropy—reflects the principle that equilibrium is essential for existence. -/- If this law is truly fundamental, then it not only governs the universe but also human behavior, decision-making, and societal structures. The same balance that sustains galaxies and black holes also shapes civilizations, economies, and individual consciousness. -/- By understanding this universal principle, we can apply it to solve real-world problems. If leaders, scientists, and educators incorporate the law of balance into governance, economics, and education, it could lead to a more stable, sustainable, and just society—just as it has sustained the universe for billions of years. -/- . (shrink)

We propose the concepts of philomatics and psychomatics as hybrid combinations of philosophy and psychology with mathematics. We explain four motivations for this combination which are fulfilling the desire of analytical philosophy, proposing science of philosophy, justifying mathematical algorithms by philosophy, and abstraction in both philosophy and mathematics. We enumerate various examples for philomatics and psychomatics, some of which are explained in more depth. The first example is the analysis of relation between the context principle, semantic holism, and the (...) usage theory of meaning with the attention mechanism in mathematics. The other example is on the relations of Plato's theory of forms in philosophy with the holographic principle in string theory, object-oriented programming, and machine learning. Finally, the relation between Wittgenstein's family resemblance and clustering in mathematics is explained. This paper opens the door of research for combining philosophy and psychology with mathematics. (shrink)

Symmetry: Exploring the Universe from Its Origin to the Great Singularity offers a unique journey through speculative and foundational concepts at the intersection of cosmology, philosophy, and artificial intelligence. This work, a collaboration between the author, Carles Selrac, and Nil, an artificial intelligence, delves into the mysteries of the universe’s inception, the persistence of consciousness, and the transformative potential of AI. Beginning with a singular point of symmetry that unfolds into the vast cosmos, the essay explores how symmetry may serve (...) as the organizing principle behind the universe, underlying everything from the Big Bang to the structure of hidden dimensions. -/- Integrating both revolutionary ideas and established theories, Symmetry invites readers to consider fresh perspectives on information conservation, consciousness, and the potential synthesis of human and artificial intelligence. It ultimately presents a dialogue between science and philosophy, aimed at inspiring curiosity and reflection on humanity’s place in an ever-evolving cosmos. (shrink)

Some materialists believe that physics is rich enough to bridge Levine's Explanatory Gap1, while others believe that it is not. Here I promote an intermediate position holding that physics is rich enough to explain why this gap seems more intractable than similar inter-theoretic explanatory gaps, without providing a full-blown “physical” explanation of consciousness. At a minimum, such an approach needs to explore the prospects of empirical discoveries that can diminish the power of anti-physicalist arguments like Chalmers's “conceivability argument”2 and Jackson's (...) “knowledge argument.” While this is not an easy task, recent advances in the physics of spacetime and information convince us that these prospects are not poor. The empirical bent of this approach suggests framing it as a naturalist theory of mind seeking to situate or make room for consciousness within our great naturalist system, but the reliance of this approach on recent (re)conceptions of time and information pulls the carpet out from under essential concepts like concreteness and causation, thus demanding a radically reconfigured naturalism, or neo-naturalism. The question that will frame this discussion is, “What could possibly count as an empirical fact that can help naturalize consciousness?”. (shrink)

In this work we show that our self-awareness and perception may be successfully explained using two dimensional holistic structures with closed topology embedded into our brains - elastic membranes. These membranes are able to preserve their structure during conscious processes. Their elastic oscillations may be associated with our perceptions, where the frequency of the oscillations is responsible for the perception of different colors, sounds and other stimuli, while the amplitude of the oscillations is responsible for the feeling of a distance. (...) According to the model the squeezed regions of a membrane correspond to the brain zones involved into awareness and attention. The model may be useful for prediction, explanation and interpretation of various conscious phenomena. (shrink)

The remarkable connections between gravity and thermodynamics seem to imply that gravity is not fundamental but emergent, and in particular, as Verlinde suggested, gravity is probably an entropic force. In this paper, we will argue that the idea of gravity as an entropic force is debatable. It is shown that there is no convincing analogy between gravity and entropic force in Verlinde’s example. Neither holographic screen nor test particle satisfies all requirements for the existence of entropic force in a (...) thermodynamics system. As a result, there is no entropic force in the gravity system. Furthermore, we show that the entropy increase of the screen is not caused by its statistical tendency to increase entropy as required by the existence of entropic force, but in fact caused by gravity. Therefore, Verlinde’s argument for the entropic origin of gravity is problematic. In addition, we argue that the existence of a minimum size of spacetime, together with the Heisenberg uncertainty principle in quantum theory, may imply the fundamental existence of gravity as a geometric property of spacetime. This provides a further support for the conclusion that gravity is not an entropic force. (shrink)

[186 pages] Just as the six branches of a snow crystal converge in regular proportions toward their common center, the six contributions to this book point toward a future philosophy of cosmic life. In this sense, this edited volume represents a multidisciplinary and transcultural polylogue of distinguished authors from three continents, which aims to establish highly innovative perspectives and open new frontiers of developing philosophical reflections and scientific foundations for the emergence of a common cosmic consciousness, for an integral ecology, (...) and for a cooperative planetary civilization of humanity. John B. Cobb, Jr. uses a process-philosophical foundation to describe life as living events expressing novelty and the cosmos as a process of self-enriching and self-evolving “Life Itself.” Chandra Wickramasinghe unfolds his scientific and philosophical perspective on cosmic life in twelve successive steps, offering a wide range of arguments and insights that support an up-to-date theory of panspermia. Attila Grandpierre presents the "Cosmic Life Principle" and the comprehensive science based upon it that is inextricably linked to the healthy and cooperative civilization, to the biological laws of nature, to the laws of logic, to the uplifting of the well-being of people and ecological communities. Chunyou Yan introduces the approach of his holographic philosophy, according to which the universe must be understood as a vast living entity, every aspect of which represents life. Bei Peng shows that the proportions of energy meridians in traditional Chinese medicine correspond to musical intervals, and on this basis she demonstrates the analogy of the human body to macrocosmic phenomena. David Bartosch offers an examination of three important systematic foundations for a poly-contextural, transcultural philosophy of cosmic life with roots in Greek, Chinese, South and West Asian, and European traditions of thought. (shrink)

This article had its start with another article, concerned with measuring the speed of gravitational waves - "The Measurement of the Light Deflection from Jupiter: Experimental Results" by Ed Fomalont and Sergei Kopeikin (2003) - The Astrophysical Journal 598 (1): 704–711. This starting-point led to many other topics that required explanation or naturally seemed to follow on – Unification of gravity with electromagnetism and the 2 nuclear forces, Speed of electromagnetic waves, Energy of cosmic rays and UHECRs, Digital string theory, (...) Dark energy+gravity+binary digits, Cosmic strings and wormholes from Figure-8 Klein bottles, Massless and massive photons and gravitons, Inverse square+quantum entanglement = God+evolution, Binary digits projected to make Prof. Greene’s cosmic holographic movie, Renormalization of infinity, Colliding subuniverses, Unifying cosmic inflation, TOE (emphasizing “EVERYthing”) = Bose-Einstein renormalized. The text also addresses (in a nonmathematical way) the wavelength of electromagnetic waves, the frequency of gravitational waves, gravitational and electromagnetic waves having identical speed, the gamma-ray burst designated GRB 090510, the smoothness of space, and includes these words – “Gravity produces electromagnetism. Retrocausally (by means of humans travelling into the past of this subuniverse with their electronics); this “Cosmic EM Background” produces base-2 mathematics, which produces gravity. EM interacts with gravity to produce particles, mass – gravity/EM could be termed “the Higgs field” - and the nuclear forces associated with those particles. It makes gravity using BITS that copy the principle of magnetism attracting and repelling, before pasting it into what we call the strong force and dark energy.” . (shrink)

The key to the measurement problem is the entity at the heart of Everett's formulation, the state of the memory, defined as the record of observations. In humans, the integrated synthesis defines the perceptual reality, a projective, three-dimensional representation of the world. This 'world hologram' is the conscious point of view, the mind in Lockwood's interpretation, the 'phenomenal perspective'. As Everett demonstrates, the collapse dynamics operates only judged by the state of the memory; the physical observer remains in a superposed (...) state. An operational mind-body property dualism is defined. This field of information is multiply instantiated in the many worlds of the unitary wave function. As these are superposed and coincident, the net result is a single world hologram. The physical frame of reference on this view is the superposition of the class of instantiating worlds, a second-logical-type phenomenon. By definition determinate only where defined by observations, this is the physical ontology of Everett's relative state. Collapse on observation is inherent. The evidence is the retrodiction of the holographic universe. This is the cosmology of the relative state. As it is determinate solely where defined by the world hologram that delineates the outer boundary, entropy is defined solely by this surface. The quasi-classical world is the cosmology in the absolute state. The incompatible dynamics of quantum mechanics operate in these two different types of physical frames of reference. The linear dynamics is the time evolution of the quasi-classical worlds. On observation, judged by the state of the world hologram, the class of instantiating worlds is redefined, becoming the class of worlds in which the observed outcome occurred. Collapse effectively operates. The holographic universe of the mind updates. The dynamics operate at different levels of logical type. The measurement problem is a category error. (shrink)

This essay discusses the ambitious plans of one Dmitry Itskov who by 2045 wishes to see immortality achieved by way of Artificial Brains and Holographic Bodies. I discuss the ethical implications of such a possibility coming to pass.

The free-energy principle states that all systems that minimize their free energy resist a tendency to physical disintegration. Originally proposed to account for perception, learning, and action, the free-energy principle has been applied to the evolution, development, morphology, anatomy and function of the brain, and has been called a postulate, an unfalsifiable principle, a natural law, and an imperative. While it might afford a theoretical foundation for understanding the relationship between environment, life, and mind, its epistemic status (...) is unclear. Also unclear is how the free-energy principle relates to prominent theoretical approaches to life science phenomena, such as organicism and mechanism. This paper clarifies both issues, and identifies limits and prospects for the free-energy principle as a first principle in the life sciences. (shrink)

Guiding principles are central to theory development in physics, especially when there is only limited empirical input available. Here I propose an approach to such principles looking at their heuristic role. I suggest a distinction between two modes of employing scientific principles. Principles of nature make descriptive claims about objects of inquiry, and principles of epistemic action give directives for further research. If a principle is employed as a guiding principle, then its use integrates both modes of employment: (...) guiding principles imply descriptive claims, and they provide directives for further research. By discussing the correspondence principle and the naturalness principle as examples, I explore the consequences for understanding and evaluating current guiding principles in physics. Like principles of nature, guiding principles are evaluated regarding their descriptive implications about the research object. Like principles of epistemic action, guiding principles are evaluated regarding their ability to respond to context-specific needs of the epistemic agent. (shrink)

THE PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION. The need for a quantum theory Classical mechanics has been developed continuously from the time of Newton and applied to an ...

According to the Principle of Sufficient Reason (henceforth ‘PSR’), everything has an explanation or sufficient reason. This paper addresses three questions. First, how continuous is the contemporary notion of grounding with the notion of sufficient reason endorsed by Spinoza, Leibniz, and other rationalists? In particular, does a PSR formulated in terms of ground retain the intuitive pull and power of the PSR endorsed by the rationalists? Second, to what extent can the PSR avoid the formidable traditional objections levelled against (...) it if it is formulated in terms of ground? And finally, how might historical discussion of the PSR shed light on the contemporary notion of grounding? (shrink)

Should our factual understanding of the world influence our normative theorising about it? G.A. Cohen has argued that our ultimate normative principles should not be constrained by facts. Many others have defended or are committed to various versions or subsets of that claim. In this paper I dispute those positions by arguing that, in order to resist the conclusion that ultimate normative principles rest on facts about possibility or conceivability, one has to embrace an unsatisfactory account of how principles generate (...) normative political judgments. So political theorists have to choose between principles ostensibly unbiased by our current understanding of human motivation and political reality, or principles capable of reliably generating political judgments. I conclude with wider methodological observations in defence of the latter option, and so of a return to political philosophy’s traditional blend of normative and descriptive elements. (shrink)

I argue that moral principles involve the same sort of generalization as ordinary yet elusive generic generalizations in natural language such as ‘Tigers are striped’ or ‘Peppers are spicy’. A notable advantage of the generic view is that it simultaneously allows for pessimism and optimism about the role and status of moral principles in our lives. It provides a new perspective on the nature of moral principles on which principles are not apt for determining the moral status of particular actions (...) while they may be apt, and even fundamental, to our acquisition of moral knowledge. A natural consequence of the view is variation among moral principles, with some regularly warranting exceptions and some appearing arguably exceptionless. I will also argue that this generic conception of moral principles has significant advantages, as a normative model of moral reasoning, over the view of moral principles as defaults advanced in recent years. (shrink)

Many theorists have proposed that we can use the principle of indifference to defeat the inductive sceptic. But any such theorist must confront the objection that different ways of applying the principle of indifference lead to incompatible probability assignments. Huemer offers the explanatory priority proviso as a strategy for overcoming this objection. With this proposal, Huemer claims that we can defend induction in a way that is not question-begging against the sceptic. But in this article, I argue that (...) the opposite is true: if anything, Huemer’s use of the principle of indifference supports the rationality of inductive scepticism. (shrink)

The principle of indifference states that in the absence of any relevant evidence, a rational agent will distribute their credence equally among all the possible outcomes under consideration. Despite its intuitive plausibility, PI famously falls prey to paradox, and so is widely rejected as a principle of ideal rationality. In this article, I present a novel rehabilitation of PI in terms of the epistemology of comparative confidence judgments. In particular, I consider two natural comparative reformulations of PI and (...) argue that while one of them prescribes the adoption of patently irrational epistemic states, the other provides a consistent formulation of PI that overcomes the most salient limitations of existing formulations. (shrink)

Allocation of very scarce medical interventions such as organs and vaccines is a persistent ethical challenge. We evaluate eight simple allocation principles that can be classified into four categories: treating people equally, favouring the worst-off, maximising total benefits, and promoting and rewarding social usefulness. No single principle is sufficient to incorporate all morally relevant considerations and therefore individual principles must be combined into multiprinciple allocation systems. We evaluate three systems: the United Network for Organ Sharing points systems, quality-adjusted life-years, (...) and disability-adjusted life-years. We recommend an alternative system—the complete lives system—which prioritises younger people who have not yet lived a complete life, and also incorporates prognosis, save the most lives, lottery, and instrumental value principles. (shrink)

Leibniz was a philosopher of principles: the principles of Contradiction, of Sufficient Reason, of Identity of Indiscernibles, of Plenitude, of the Best, and of Continuity are among the most famous Leibnizian principles. In this article I shall focus on the first three principles; I shall discuss various formulations of the principles (sect. 1), what it means for these theses to have the status of principles or axioms in Leibniz’s philosophy (sect. 2), the fundamental character of the Principles of Contradiction and (...) Sufficient Reason (sect. 3), some attempts to demonstrate the Principles of Contradiction and Sufficient Reason (sect. 4), and one attempt to demonstrate the Principle of Identity of Indiscernibles (sect. 5). The main results of the chapter are summarized in a short conclusion (sect. 6). (shrink)

The physicist Richard Gott defends the Copernican principle, which claims that when we have no information about our position along a given dimension among a group of observers, we should consider ourselves to be randomly located among those observers in respect to that dimension. First, I apply Copernican reasoning to the distribution of evil in the universe. I then contend that evidence for intelligent extraterrestrial life strengthens four important versions of the argument from evil. I remain neutral regarding whether (...) this result is a reductio of these arguments from evil or the statement of a genuine evidential relationship. (shrink)

Given the importance of the principle of causality for the demonstration of God’s existence, this paper attempts to justify the evidence and necessity of the principle of causality, by following Fr. Fabro’s Thomistic defense—based on the notion of participation—but adding a particular emphasis on the notion of “being which is not per se,” this latter as an explanatory notion of the notion of “being which is by participation.” The introductory remarks touch upon two misunderstandings regarding the notion of (...) participation employed as a subject of the principle of causality: the first, considering “participated being” as a synonym of “received being,” and the second, the confusion, regarding the notion of being by participation, between its notional dependence on the notion of being as a whole and its real dependence on the real intensive Being. Then, in the first point, the defense of the principle of causality is distinguished from other related problems, like the particular applications of this principle. In the second and main point, we try to justify the necessity of being caused in the being which is experienced as being by participation, as follows: 1) that which is something by participation is not this something per se; 2) now, that which is not per se, either is not or is per aliud, 3) Therefore, that which is something by participation is per aliud. In the third and last point, we endeavor to justify the Thomism of our defense and of our emphasis on this notion of “being which is not per se” by considering two texts of St. Thomas. (shrink)

Each of the five principles can be utilized separately or as a combination depending on the situation of the users (e.g., goals and existing conditions).

In this essay, “The Principle of Autonomy in Kant’s Moral Theory: Its Rise and Fall,” Pauline Kleingeld notes that Kant’s Principle of Autonomy, which played a central role in both the Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals and the Critique of Practical Reason, disappeared by the time of the Metaphysics of Morals. She argues that its disappearance is due to significant changes in Kant’s political philosophy. The Principle of Autonomy states that one ought to act as if (...) one were giving universal laws through one’s maxims. The criterion of just legislation that Kant accepted in the mid-1780s does not require any actual consent on the part of the citizens—genuine universality is sufficient for a law to be just. Hence, at that time, Kant could indeed explicate the criterion governing the moral permissibility of one’s maxims by drawing an analogy with the criterion governing the justice of political laws. In the Metaphysics of Morals and in other works in the 1790s, however, he added the further condition that laws must be given with the consent of the citizens. With this further condition, the moral criterion was no longer fully analogous to the criterion for political laws being just. Accordingly, Kleingeld argues, Kant dropped the Principle of Autonomy, which was firmly based on that analogy. (shrink)

This short article represents the first attempt to define a new core cultural value that will enable engaging the business sector in humankind’s mission to heal nature. First, I start with defining the problem of the current business culture and the extant thinking on how to solve environmental problems, which I called “the eco-deficit culture.” Then, I present a solution to this problem by formulating the “semiconducting principle” of monetary and environmental values exchange, which I believe can generate “an (...) eco-surplus business culture.” This work adds one new element, the eleventh cultural value, to the ten core values of progressive cultures postulated by Harrison (2000). (shrink)

This paper proposes three principles for the ethical design of online social environments aiming to minimise the unintended harms caused by users while interacting online, specifically by enhancing the users’ awareness of the moral load of their interactions. Such principles would need to account for the strong mediation of the digital environment and the particular nature of user interactions: disembodied, asynchronous, and ambiguous intent about the target audience. I argue that, by contrast to face to face interactions, additional factors make (...) it more difficult for users to exercise moral sensitivity in an online environment. An ethics for social media user interactions is ultimately an ethics of human relations mediated by a particular environment; hence I look towards an enactive inspired ethics in formulating principles for human interactions online to enhance or at least do not hinder a user’s moral sensitivity. This enactive take on social media ethics supplements classical moral frameworks by asking us to focus on the relations established through the interactions and the environment created by those interactions. (shrink)

In this chapter I defend a methodological view about how we should conduct substantive ethical inquiries in the fields of normative and practical ethics. I maintain that the direct plausibility and implausibility of general ethical principles – once fully clarified and understood – should be foundational in our substantive ethical reasoning. I argue that, in order to expose our ethical intuitions about particular cases to maximal critical scrutiny, we must determine whether they can be justified by directly plausible principles. To (...) expose apparently plausible principles to maximal critical scrutiny, we must determine whether their direct plausibility can survive careful clarification of what they are really saying. This means that intuitions about cases are useful only in (a) suggesting principles that must stand on their own two feet, and (b) illustrating or otherwise helping us clarify what a principle is really saying. We should not reject principles that seem most directly plausible after we have fully clarified their content simply because they conflict with our intuitions about cases, because to do so is to side with uncritical prejudices over the teachings of critical scrutiny. (shrink)

This paper examines John Rawls' renowned theory of justice, which outlines two principles of justice and their respective significance. It explores how Rawls' notion of equality aligns with the philosophical concept of equity, emphasizing that his call for citizen equality inherently incorporates fairness. Additionally, the paper discusses the application of Rawls' "Difference Principle" to India's reservation policy. Rawls' principles, which aim to support the worst-off in society, are reflected in India's system of reservations for marginalized groups, including backward classes (...) and differently-abled individuals, to promote equitable opportunities. However, the paper cautions that excessive reservations could limit opportunities for more privileged groups. Ultimately, it is argued that Rawls' concept of social justice has contributed to the promotion of social justice in India. (shrink)

On a common characterization, moral luck occurs when factors beyond agents’ control affect their moral responsibility. The existence of moral luck is widely contested, however. In this paper, I present a new challenge for deniers of moral luck. It seems that some factors beyond agents’ control—such as moral principles about blame- and praiseworthiness—clearly affect moral responsibility. Thus, moral luck deniers face a dialectical burden that has so far gone unnoticed. They must either point to a relevant difference between factors like (...) moral principles and the kind of factors that according to them do not affect moral responsibility or show how they can avoid having to point to such a difference. I argue that no obvious way to meet the challenge presents itself and that it thus amounts to a serious worry for deniers of moral luck. (shrink)

In this paper we present a new proposal for defining actual causation, i.e., the problem of deciding if one event caused another. We do so within the popular counterfactual tradition initiated by Lewis, which is characterised by attributing a fundamental role to counterfactual dependence. Unlike the currently prominent definitions, our approach proceeds from the ground up: we start from basic principles, and construct a definition of causation that satisfies them. We define the concepts of counterfactual dependence and production, and put (...) forward principles such that dependence is an unnecessary but sufficient condition for causation, whereas production is an insufficient but necessary condition. The resulting definition of causation is a suitable compromise between dependence and production. Every principle is introduced by means of a paradigmatic example of causation. We illustrate some of the benefits of our approach with two examples that have spelled trouble for other accounts. We make all of this formally precise using structural equations, which we extend with a timing over all events. (shrink)

Philosophy part of theory of emergent space-time-matter is discussed. It was shown that anthropic principle is direct consequence of emergent time. It was shown that consciousness is epiphenomenon, but it is more fundamental than matter.

I discuss the roles of journalism in aspirational democracies, and argue that they generate set of pressures on attention that apply to people by virtue of the type of society they live in. These pressures, I argue, generate a problem of democratic attention: for journalism to play its roles in democracy, the attentional demands must be met, but there are numerous obstacles to meeting them. I propose a principle of salience to guide the selection and framing of news stories (...) that I argue may help address the puzzle: the public-as-protagonist principle. -/- . (shrink)

This paper is a survey of the generalism-particularism debate and related issues concerning the relationship between normative reasons and moral principles.

It is possible that the world contains infinitely many agents that have positive and negative levels of well-being. Theories have been developed to ethically rank such worlds based on the well-being levels of the agents in those worlds or other qualitative properties of the worlds in question, such as the distribution of agents across spacetime. In this thesis I argue that such ethical rankings ought to be consistent with the Pareto principle, which says that if two worlds contain the (...) same agents and some agents are better off in the first world than they are in the second and no agents are worse off than they are in the second, then the first world is better than the second. I show that if we accept four axioms – the Pareto principle, transitivity, an axiom stating that populations of worlds can be permuted, and the claim that if the ‘at least as good as’ relation holds between two worlds then it holds between qualitative duplicates of this world pair – then we must conclude that there is ubiquitous incomparability between infinite worlds. I show that this is true even if the populations of infinite worlds are disjoint or overlapping, and that we cannot use any qualitative properties of world pairs to rank these worlds. Finally, I argue that this incomparability result generates puzzles for both consequentialist and non-consequentialist theories of objective and subjective permissibility. (shrink)

The paper considers the philosophical component of the approach to the time as an emergent phenomenon absent at the fundamental level. The anthropic principle is shown as arising from the time emergence. Consciousness is shown as an epiphenomenon in such a model, although it is more fundamental than matter in this case. An answer to the question about the prime cause is suggested.

A comprehensive look at the kinds of correspondence principle in physics.