From Information and Quantum Physics to Consciousness and Reality
Peter Verheyen preprint
The nature of reality has been reconsidered since the 16th century, but relativity and quantum physics in the early 20th century made it stranger. Current debate focuses on whether information is ontological or epistemological. A recent theory proposes that spacetime and gravity emerge from microscopic quantum information, specifically from quantum entanglement via entanglement entropy. Another theory describes reality emerging from first-person experiences and algorithmic information theory. In quantum physics, perception and observation are central; perception requires information exchange, and biochemical projection gives information an interpretation necessary for life and consciousness. The world around us is not what it seems.