Resources

Further reading, relevant links, a glossary of key terms, and other materials related to the C-Field hypothesis and the study of consciousness.

Key Papers & Books

Explore foundational texts and related works in consciousness studies, physics, and philosophy.

  • Your Primary Paper/Book: [Link to your main publication/manuscript detailing the C-Field Hypothesis] - [Brief Description]
  • Chalmers, David: "Facing Up to the Problem of Consciousness" (Journal of Consciousness Studies, 1995) - [Introduced the "Hard Problem"].
  • Penrose, Roger: "Shadows of the Mind" (1994) & "The Emperor's New Mind" (1989) - [Discusses quantum mechanics, consciousness, non-computability, groundwork for Orch OR].
  • Hameroff, Stuart & Penrose, Roger: Various papers on Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch OR) - [Search key journals like Physics of Life Reviews, Consciousness and Cognition].
  • Tononi, Giulio, et al.: Papers on Integrated Information Theory (IIT) - [Search for IIT publications, e.g., on BMC Neuroscience, PLoS Computational Biology].
  • Faggin, Federico: "Irreducible: Consciousness, Computing, and the Nature of Reality" (Forthcoming/Published) or relevant talks/papers - [Explores consciousness as fundamental].
  • Relevant Physics Texts: [Standard texts on Quantum Field Theory, General Relativity, Cosmology if applicable].
  • Relevant Neuroscience Texts: [Books on cognitive neuroscience, neural correlates of consciousness].
  • Quantum Biology Resources: [Review articles or books on quantum effects in biological systems].
  • Mind-Matter Research (Contextual): [Links to PEAR archive, Global Consciousness Project website, key papers by Radin - *with caveats about controversy*].

Glossary of Terms

Definitions for key concepts used throughout the hypothesis.

C-Field (Consciousness Field)
The hypothetical fundamental scalar field proposed to permeate spacetime and mediate conscious experience through interaction with quantum-coherent systems.
Quantum Coherence
A quantum state where components maintain stable phase relationships, allowing for superposition and entanglement. Necessary for quantum computation and proposed C-Field interaction.
Microtubules
Protein structures within the cytoskeleton of cells, particularly neurons, proposed as potential sites for quantum computation and C-Field interaction due to their structure.
Hard Problem of Consciousness
The problem of explaining why and how physical processes in the brain give rise to subjective experience (qualia).
Neural Correlates of Consciousness (NCCs)
The minimal patterns of brain activity that are consistently associated with specific conscious experiences.
Emergence
The arising of novel properties in complex systems that are not present in their individual components. Often proposed for consciousness, but challenged by the hard problem.
Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
The theoretical framework combining quantum mechanics, special relativity, and classical field theory, where particles are viewed as excitations of underlying fields.
Scalar Field
A field described by a single number (magnitude) at each point in spacetime, like temperature or the Higgs field. The C-Field is proposed as scalar.
Lagrangian Density
A function in field theory that summarizes the dynamics of a system. Used to derive equations of motion.
ρQ (Density of Quantum Coherence)
A term in the proposed C-Field Lagrangian representing the degree of quantum coherence in a physical system, acting as a source for the field. Requires precise mathematical definition.
Objective Reduction (OR)
Proposed by Penrose, a non-computable process causing spontaneous wave function collapse due to quantum gravity effects when a superposition reaches a certain threshold.
Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch OR)
Theory by Penrose & Hameroff suggesting consciousness arises from OR events orchestrated within microtubules.
Integrated Information Theory (IIT)
A theory proposing that consciousness is identical to a system's capacity to integrate information, measured by Φ (phi).
Panpsychism
The philosophical view that consciousness or proto-consciousness is a fundamental and ubiquitous feature of reality.
Dual-Aspect Monism
The philosophical view that mind and matter are two complementary aspects of a single underlying reality.
Dark Matter
An unknown form of matter comprising most of the matter in the universe, detected via its gravitational effects.
Wave Function Collapse
The process by which a quantum system transitions from a superposition of states to a single definite state upon measurement or interaction.

Relevant Links