The Physics of Mind and Thought
Abstract
Regular physics is unsatisfactory in that it fails to take into consideration phenomena relating to mind and meaning, whereas on the other side of the cultural divide such constructs have been studied in detail. This paper discusses a possible synthesis of the two perspectives. Crucial is the way systems realising mental function can develop step by step on the basis of the scaffolding mechanisms of Hoffmeyer, in a way that can be clarified by consideration of the phenomenon of language. Taking into account such constructs, aspects of which are apparent even with simple systems such as acoustically excited water (as with cymatics), potentially opens up a window into a world of mentality excluded from conventional physics as a result of the primary focus of the latter on the matter-like aspect of reality.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1906.05095,
title = {The Physics of Mind and Thought},
author = {Brian D. Josephson},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1906.05095},
year = {2019}
}
Comments
Notwithstanding Encyclopaedia Britannica's definition of philosophy of physics as 'philosophical speculation about the concepts, methods, and theories of the physical sciences', arXiv moderation refuses to allow this paper to be included in its 'History and Philosophy of Physics' section