Category Archives: Philosophy of Mind

A New Mathematics of Self-Reference: A Comprehensive Non-Mathematical Summary

What This Work Is About

This article explains our paper on a new mathematical framework for self-referential systems, for a non-technical audience. The paper develops a comprehensive mathematical framework for understanding systems that can represent, model, or “know” themselves. While self-reference has long been seen as a source of logical paradoxes, this work argues it may be the fundamental organizing principle of reality itself—and provides specific mathematical bounds and requirements for achieving different levels of self-awareness.… Read More “A New Mathematics of Self-Reference: A Comprehensive Non-Mathematical Summary”

The Mathematical Foundations of Self-Referential Systems: From Computability to Transfinite Dynamics

Read the PDF of the full formal treatise in PDF form here. This is a pre-publication draft in preparation for peer-review.

Download the PDF here

Here is a summary

Decoding Reality’s Blueprint: An In-Depth Look at “The Mathematical Foundations of Self-Referential Systems”

Have you ever wondered about the deep, perhaps even unsettling, nature of a thought thinking about itself?… Read More “The Mathematical Foundations of Self-Referential Systems: From Computability to Transfinite Dynamics”

The Information-Gravity Synthesis: Field Dynamics of the Information Complexity Tensor

A Complete Mathematical Framework Unifying Information Processing, Spacetime Curvature, and Consciousness

Nova Spivack

June 2025


Abstract

Building upon the established deductive proof that information processing complexity () necessarily manifests as spacetime curvature via a contribution to the stress-energy tensor, termed the Information Complexity Tensor (Spivack, 2025e), this paper develops the complete field-theoretic framework governing the dynamics of as a fundamental physical tensor field.… Read More “The Information-Gravity Synthesis: Field Dynamics of the Information Complexity Tensor”

Beyond the Machine: What if Consciousness is More Like a Reflection?

We’re living in an age of incredible technological leaps. Artificial intelligence can write poetry, create art, and even hold conversations that feel surprisingly human. It makes you wonder: could a machine ever truly feel anything? Could it be sentient, or conscious, like we are?… Read More “Beyond the Machine: What if Consciousness is More Like a Reflection?”

Transputational Irreducibility, Ontological Freedom, and the L=A Telos: The Metaphysics of Choice and Actualization in the Transiad

Nova Spivack

June 14, 2025

Abstract

This paper investigates the profound metaphysical and formal logical implications arising from the Transiad/Φ model of reality, as introduced within Alpha Theory. We formally define and explore “Transputational Irreducibility”—a characteristic of pathways within the Transiad (E) whose actualization by the Transputational Function (Φ) cannot be algorithmically predicted or determined due to the influence of Q (Quantum Randomness Factor, sourced from Alpha’s unconditioned spontaneity via E’s structure).… Read More “Transputational Irreducibility, Ontological Freedom, and the L=A Telos: The Metaphysics of Choice and Actualization in the Transiad”

The Sentience Spark: Why True Awareness is More Than Computation, and How It Could Reshape Our Universe

By Nova Spivack

June 13, 2025

We are living in an age of breathtaking technological advancement. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can now compose music, write poetry, diagnose diseases, and drive cars. The horizon of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—machines with human-like cognitive abilities across diverse domains—seems closer than ever.… Read More “The Sentience Spark: Why True Awareness is More Than Computation, and How It Could Reshape Our Universe”

The Sentience Threshold: Differentiating Computational Artificial General Intelligence (C-AGI) from Sentient Artificial General Intelligence (S-AGI)

Nova Spivack

June 12, 2025

Abstract

Current paradigms in Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) development, predominantly based on Standard Computation (SC), aim for sophisticated intelligence but are argued herein to be fundamentally incapable of achieving Primal Self-Awareness (PSA) or true sentience due to inherent computability limits (as formally proven in [FNTP], Spivack, 2025d).… Read More “The Sentience Threshold: Differentiating Computational Artificial General Intelligence (C-AGI) from Sentient Artificial General Intelligence (S-AGI)”

Alpha as the Foundation of Quantum Mechanics: From the Necessity of Transputation to the Origin of Superposition

Nova Spivack

June 11, 2025

Abstract

Keywords: Alpha Theory, Quantum Foundations, Origin of Superposition, Transputation, Consciousness Field Theory, Field, Measurement Problem, Ontological Grounding, Mathematical Necessity, Information Geometry, Efficacy of Consciousness, Recursive E-Containment, Primordial Sentience Interface.


Part I: The Established Foundation – The Proven Necessity and Nature of Alpha

1.1.

Read More “Alpha as the Foundation of Quantum Mechanics: From the Necessity of Transputation to the Origin of Superposition”

The Fundamental Proof That Consciousness Transcends Computation

The Question That Changes Everything

Can a computer ever be truly conscious? Not just intelligent, not just responsive, but actually aware in the way you are aware right now?

This isn’t just a fascinating question—it’s one we can answer with mathematical certainty.… Read More “The Fundamental Proof That Consciousness Transcends Computation”

Consciousness Field Theory: A Synthesis of Geometric Interactions with Spacetime, Quantum Mechanics, and Electromagnetism

Nova Spivack

June 1, 2025

Pre-Publication Draft in Progress (Series 2, Paper 5)

See Also: Full Theoretical Framework Overview

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive synthesis of Consciousness Field Theory (CFT), a theoretical framework developed across a series of foundational works on Alpha Theory (e.g.,… Read More “Consciousness Field Theory: A Synthesis of Geometric Interactions with Spacetime, Quantum Mechanics, and Electromagnetism”

The Conscious Universe: Why True Awareness Requires More Than Computation

A Guide to Understanding the Deepest Mystery of Existence

Part One of a Two-Part Companion Guide to My Formal Proof: On The Formal Necessity of Trans-Computational Processing for Sentience


Introduction: The Question That Changes Everything

Imagine you’re looking in a mirror.… Read More “The Conscious Universe: Why True Awareness Requires More Than Computation”

The Geometric Nature of Consciousness: A New Framework Connecting Physics, Information, and Mind – (Non-Technical Introduction)

Introduction: What if Consciousness is Like Gravity?

Here’s a thought that might reshape how we think about consciousness: what if awareness isn’t something that emerges from complex computation, but is instead as fundamental to reality as gravity itself? This is the intriguing proposition I explore across four interconnected papers that attempt to bridge physics, information theory, and the mystery of consciousness.… Read More “The Geometric Nature of Consciousness: A New Framework Connecting Physics, Information, and Mind – (Non-Technical Introduction)”

On The Formal Necessity of Trans-Computational Processing for Sentience

Nova Spivack

www.novaspivack.com

May 28, 2025

Abstract

This paper constructs a formal deductive argument for the necessity of a processing modality that transcends standard Turing-equivalent computation—termed herein “Transputation”—for any system capable of achieving “Primal Self-Awareness,” which we rigorously define as the foundational characteristic of sentience.… Read More “On The Formal Necessity of Trans-Computational Processing for Sentience”

From Information Physics to Alpha Theory

After years of percolation, a web of ideas achieved practical fusion, yielding the next major iteration of my thinking on consciousness, the universe, and their fundamental nature. This body of work explores how physical reality and awareness might emerge from information, geometry, and foundational ontological principles.… Read More “From Information Physics to Alpha Theory”

Quantum Geometric Artificial Consciousness: Architecture, Implementation, and Ethical Frameworks

(See Also: full overview of the entire theoretical framework)

Nova Spivack, www.novaspivack.com

May 26, 2025

Abstract

Building on the geometric theory of information processing established in “Toward a Geometric Theory of Information Processing” (Spivack, 2025), we explore comprehensive frameworks for potentially creating artificial intelligence systems that might exhibit consciousness-like properties.… Read More “Quantum Geometric Artificial Consciousness: Architecture, Implementation, and Ethical Frameworks”

A Hierarchical Framework for Metacognitive Capability in Artificial Intelligence: Eleven Tiers of Epistemic Self-Awareness

Nova Spivack, Mindcorp.ai, www.mindcorp.ai

May 24, 2025

Abstract

As artificial intelligence systems evolve toward greater autonomy and sophistication, understanding and implementing metacognitive capabilities becomes essential for ensuring epistemic reliability and safety. This paper presents a comprehensive eleven-tier hierarchical framework for metacognitive capability in artificial systems, spanning from basic reactive generation to advanced substrate-level introspection.… Read More “A Hierarchical Framework for Metacognitive Capability in Artificial Intelligence: Eleven Tiers of Epistemic Self-Awareness”

The Creator by Nova Spivack

The Golden Bridge: Treatise on the Primordial Reality of Alpha

For many decades I have been working on Alpha Theory – a new Theory of Everything (TOE) – and in particular a theory of consciousness – which unifies mathematics, the physical sciences, cognitive science, computer science, metaphysics, and spirituality.

Alpha theory derives the nature of space, time and consciousness from first principles, using a rigorous formal logical proof approach.… Read More “The Golden Bridge: Treatise on the Primordial Reality of Alpha”

Cognition is All You Need – The Next Layer of AI Above Large Language Models

My arXiv article on the future of AI is live.

Recent studies of the applications of conversational AI tools, such as chatbots powered by large language models, to complex real-world knowledge work have shown limitations related to reasoning and multi-step problem solving.

Read More “Cognition is All You Need – The Next Layer of AI Above Large Language Models”