Towards a Generalized Theory of Observers
Hatem Elshatlawy, D. Rickles, X. Arsiwalla, Alexander S. Blum
arXiv.org April 22, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2504.16225 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that observers are indispensable reference points for measurement, reference frames, and the emergence of meaning, and proposes a formal framework with an operational definition of "minimal observers" and theorems on observer equivalences and complexity measures. The authors contend this perspective clarifies debates about consciousness, quantum measurement, and computational boundaries and opens new avenues for studying complexity in natural and artificial systems. |
Abstract
We propose a formal framework for understanding and unifying the concept of observers across physics, computer science, philosophy, and related fields. Building on cybernetic feedback models, we introduce an operational definition of minimal observers, explore their role in shaping foundational concepts, and identify what remains unspecified in their absence. Drawing upon insights from quantum gravity, digital physics, second-order cybernetics, and recent ruliological and pregeometric approaches, we argue that observers serve as indispensable reference points for measurement, reference frames, and the emergence of meaning. We show how this formalism sheds new light on debates related to consciousness, quantum measurement, and computational boundaries; by way of theorems on observer equivalences and complexity measures. This perspective opens new avenues for investigating how complexity and structure arise in both natural and artificial systems.