What if the Mind?

What if the Mind could transcend the physical boundaries of the body, navigating dimensions beyondordinary perception?

In the second volume of Mind Travel newsletter I delve into the scientific underpinnings of mind travel, bridging the gap between human experience and theoretical physics. By examining parallels with out-of-body experiences, the role of induced meditative states, and the insights offered by cutting-edge quantum theories, such as the holographic principle and positive geometries, I aim to illuminate how mind travel might not only be conceivable but also rooted in the fabric of reality.

Positive Geometries

Since the discoveries of positive geometries and the introduction of the amplituhedron by physicist Nima Arkani-Hamed and collaborators, our understanding of the fundamental nature of reality has undergone a profound shift [3]. These groundbreaking concepts, primarily celebrated as advances in quantum field theory, also inspire deeper philosophical reflections. Among these are the possibility that consciousness itself may hold a foundational role in the architecture of existence.

Positive geometries have reshaped how we conceptualise the universe, challenging the traditional framework of space-time and locality as primary building blocks of reality.[3]

Instead, they suggest an underlying structure, a realm where the familiar notions of space and time dissolve, leaving room for new interpretations of existence.

This paradigm shift aligns with the idea that consciousness might not just observe reality but actively participate in its formation.

Yet, the mathematical and conceptual complexity of positive geometries often renders the concept inaccessible to those outside the fields of physics and mathematics. The profound implication of these theories, while revolutionary, remains locked behind equations and specialised language, preventing their transformative potential from reaching a broader audience.

In Dr Erwin Mind Travel, I seek to bridge this divide by embedding these advanced ideas into the fabric of a compelling narrative. Through the lens of Dr Erwin, I explore how these abstract theories might manifest in a tangible way, how the principles of positive geometries, quantum physics and quantum computing could inspire the creation of mind travel technology. By crafting a story where consciousness becomes the centralforce,

I invite readers to engage with these profound ideas in an accessible and imaginative context.[6]

My narrative approach not only demystifies the science but also underscores its relevance to everyday questions about the nature of existence, the potential of human consciousness, and the possibilities that lie beyondour current understanding.

Consciousness is Fundamental

In my book, I propose a bold perspective: Consciousness, not matter, is the fundamental building block of existence. This paradigm challenges traditional views of reality by suggesting that the material world emerges from consciousness itself. By shifting focus from the physical to the mental, this perspective offers a potential resolution to the classic mind-body problem.

My exploration draws on ideas from analytical idealism thinkers, such as Bernardo Kastrup[1],and others that argue the universe is not an objective material construct but rather a manifestation of a universal consciousness.

What we perceive as the physical world arises from the mental processes of the universal consciousness, with our individual experiences being localised modulations of this broader mind.[1]

Similarly, the non-duality traditions[2] of Eastern philosophies, such as Advaita Vedanta, emphasise the unity between the individual self and the universal consciousness. Together, these philosophical and scientific perspectives form the conceptual underpinnings of mind travel technology, presenting an intriguing vision of how understanding consciousness could reshape our future.

Within the narrative, this philosophical foundation provides the backdrop for the development of mind travel technology. Set in Perth, Australia, in 2052, the story follows Dr Erwin, an experimental quantum physicist, and his team of engineers and scientists as they push the boundaries of human understanding. Their groundbreaking technology leverages Integrated Information Theory (IIT) to map the brain’s substrateand capture the intricate patterns of consciousness.

My approach builds on recent groundbreaking technology that leverages Integrated Information Theory (IIT) to map the brain’s substrate and capture the intricate patterns of consciousness.[5]

Through this narrative I delve into how the application of IIT could revolutionise technology, providing a scientific basis for mind travel. I envision a future where consciousness itself becomes the key to accessing and interacting with dimensions beyond spacetime, transforming not only neuroscience but also the way we perceive human experience.

Out-of-Body Experiences (OBE)

The concept of mind travel in my book draws striking parallels with scientific discussions on out-of-body experiences (OBEs), particularly the research by Blanke and Arzy (2005), which highlights how disturbed self-processing at the temporo-parietal junctioncan lead to the perception of being outside one’s physical body[4]. OBEs, often characterised by perceptions that seem to occur outside the physical body, challenge the conventional understanding of mind-body interaction.

This exploration resonates with emerging theories suggesting that consciousness is not confined to the brain but could instead function as a fundamental aspect of reality. This perspective shifts the focus from consciousness as a mere byproduct of neural processes to consciousness as a primary player in shaping the universe itself.

My speculative portrayal aligns with some interpretations of quantum mechanics, where observation and consciousness play a pivotal role in determining outcomes. It also aligns with the philosophical stance of analytical idealism[1], which asserts:

The universe is akin to a dashboard of dials—a perceptual interface created by consciousness. Just as the dashboard of dials in an airplane represents the external world outside the cockpit, the reality we perceive is also a mental representation—a filtered interpretation of a greater reality that we do not have direct access.[1]

Investment in future

Exploration of mind travel requires investment in future discoveries that challenge conventional scientific paradigms. Currently, over 98% of research funding is allocated to traditional science, highlighting the imperative to invest in groundbreaking ideas that could redefine our understanding of reality. Early discoveries by technology firms in areas like mind travel have the potential to lead to enormous advancements, not only within their specific domains but also by opening new avenues of related research that have yet to be explored.

Investing in cutting-edge science and technology such as mind travel can yield early benefits and foster innovation. The research itself paves the way for a new body of knowledge, encouraging exploration into uncharted territories of science and technology.

In the upcoming newsletter, I will I delve deeper into its architecture.

Mind Travel Newsletters aims to illuminate the groundbreaking intersection of neuroscience, Integrated Information Theory (IIT), and quantum computing. By exploring these cutting-edge fields, it offers a glimpse into how these advancements could revolutionise our understanding of consciousness and unlock human potential.

Further Reading

[1]: Kastrup, B. (2019). The Idea of the World: A Multi-Disciplinary Argument for the Mental Nature of Reality. Iff Books.

[2]: Ramachandran, T. M. P. (2014). Advaita Vedanta and the Mind-Body Problem. Journal of Indian Philosophy, 42(3), 331–347.

[3]: Arkani-Hamed, N., & Trnka, J. (2014). The Amplituhedron: A New Way to Compute Scattering Amplitudes. Journal of High Energy Physics, 2014(12), 30.

[4]: Blanke, O., & Arzy, S. (2005). The Out-of-Body Experience: Disturbed Self-Processing at the Temporo-Parietal Junction. Neuroscientist, 11(1), 16–24.

[5] Tononi, G., et al. (2022). Recent advances in Integrated Information Theory and its applications in clinical neuroscience.

[6] Touchai, H. (2024). Dr Erwin Mind Travel. Hugh Touchai; Google, Apple, and Amazon.