The Silence Experiment: A Controlled Test of the Von Neumann–Wigner Interpretation Using Verified Meditation States and Quantum Decoherence Measurements
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) April 2, 2026 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19379194 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Preregistered Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Quantum decoherence Interpretation philosophy Quantum dissipation Stochastic interpretation Statistical hypothesis testing Consistent histories Test biology Quantum operation Open quantum system Quantum mechanics Statistical physics Theoretical physics Quantum state Quantum error correction State computer science |
| Key points | Proposes that a controlled experiment with experienced meditators in EEG-verified no-thought states can test whether consciousness participates in quantum state reduction, discriminating among competing quantum interpretations. |
Abstract
A concept paper proposing a controlled experimental test of whether human consciousness participates in quantum state reduction, as hypothesized by the von Neumann–Wigner interpretation of quantum mechanics. The experiment places experienced meditators in EEG-verified states of objectless awareness inside shielded underground laboratories and measures quantum decoherence rates across four controlled conditions: empty chamber, sleep, active cognition, and no-thought meditation. The design discriminates between the von Neumann–Wigner interpretation, environmental decoherence theory, and Orchestrated Objective Reduction based on their distinct predictions. A secondary experiment tests consciousness–randomness interaction using quantum random number generators with dramatically improved methodology over prior work (PEAR/GCP). The protocol employs triple-blind analysis and pre-registered statistical thresholds. Null results are explicitly designed to be scientifically valuable, establishing upper bounds on consciousness-dependent decoherence effects. No confirmed mechanism for the hypothesized effect exists; this is addressed directly in the paper. Estimated Phase 1 cost: 500K–2M. Version 2.0 is a major revision with narrowed scope, added statistical framework, full reference list, and transparent treatment of theoretical limitations.