The Silence Experiment: A Controlled Test of the Von Neumann–Wigner Interpretation Using Verified Meditation States and Quantum Decoherence Measurements

A proposed experimental test examines whether human consciousness influences quantum state reduction, as suggested by the von Neumann–Wigner interpretation. The experiment would place experienced meditators in EEG-verified states of objectless awareness inside shielded underground laboratories and measure quantum decoherence rates across four conditions: empty chamber, sleep, active cognition, and no-thought meditation. The design aims to discriminate 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 improved methodology over prior work. Null results would establish upper bounds on consciousness-dependent decoherence effects. No confirmed mechanism for the hypothesized effect exists.

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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.