Terminal Eternity Representations: Finite Neural Implementations of a Constructed "Now" Singularity, Recursive Time, and Boundaryless Phenomenal Space

A finite biological brain can encode a seemingly infinite, timeless perceptual world without requiring an endless series of neural transitions. The paper integrates predictive processing, mathematical models of the present moment, and evidence from altered states such as anesthesia and near-death experiences to propose that eternity-like phenomenology arises from specific neural dynamics rather than memory distortion or neural silence. It outlines five testable research tracks, including subjective time dilation, persistence of information after brain activity, a physically observable universal present, reversible neural organization, and consciousness-dependent physical effects, while clearly distinguishing these conjectures from established evidence.

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Abstract

Terminal Eternity Representations develops a rigorous mathematical and neuroscientific framework for how a finite, biologically implemented brain state could encode a recursive, boundaryless, and apparently timeless perceptual world without requiring infinitely many neural transitions. The paper unifies predictive processing, finite-width constructions of the “Now,” coalgebraic and topological models of infinite semantics, stochastic thermodynamics, physiological access viability, and evidence from altered consciousness, anesthesia, syncope, and peri-arrest states to derive testable predictions distinguishing eternity-like phenomenology from memory distortion, noise, or blackout. It concludes with a carefully delimited five-track research program addressing literal subjective-time divergence, post-boundary information persistence, a physically observable universal present, reversible-yet-organized neural dynamics, and consciousness-dependent physical effects, while explicitly separating these conjectures from claims presently established by evidence.