Theory of Experiential Degradation: A MetaphysicalNarrative Framework of Dimensional Phase Transition andConsciousness

This paper builds a unified metaphysical framework by proposing that the three-dimensional world is a low-dimensional solidified phase arising from spontaneous symmetry-breaking phase transitions in a primordial ontology. These transitions are driven by ontological entropy increase and a trend toward information equilibrium, with no preset subjective goal. The concept of experiential entropy is introduced as a formal construct in consciousness phenomenology, sharing only structural isomorphism with thermodynamic entropy. The framework addresses dilemmas in panpsychism and cosmopsychism, establishes analogies with quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and dimensional physics, and provides an ontological narrative for the cosmic origin of consciousness, the mind-body problem, and finite life, laying a foundation for research on the Experience Complexity Index.

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Abstract

Building on the core presupposition of the Universal Causality-Spacetime PrimordialOntology (UCPO), this paper constructs a unified metaphysical thought-experimentalframework as the ontological grounding for research into experiential complexity. Itproposes that the three-dimensional world is a low-dimensional solidified phasearising from the primordial ontology’s inherent spontaneous symmetry-breakingphase transitions, driven by the structural unfolding of ontological entropy increaseand the trend toward information equilibrium. This process is an inevitableconcomitant of existential structural transformation, with no preset subjective goal.This paper systematically defines the core connotation of experiential degradation,demonstrates five coupled structural mechanisms of dimensional phase transition,addresses classic dilemmas in panpsychism and cosmopsychism, and establishesformal structural analogies with quantum mechanics, thermodynamics anddimensional physics. The core concept of experiential entropy (EE) is framed as aformal construct in consciousness phenomenology, sharing only structuralisomorphism with thermodynamic entropy in evolutionary trend. This frameworkprovides a self-consistent ontological narrative for the cosmic origin of consciousness,the mind-body problem and the core features of finite life, laying an extensiblemetaphysical foundation for subsequent research on the Experience Complexity Index(ECI).