The Fundamental Observer Hypothesis (FOH): A Non-Dual Computational Framework Resolving the Hard Problem of Consciousness
Devraj Prime
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) October 13, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.23341627 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Qualitative |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Key points | Proposes that consciousness is a fundamental, non-dual, spaceless, and timeless constant rather than an emergent property of the brain, with the brain functioning as a 'Detector' and 'Rendering Engine'. Argues that the 'Ego' is a 'False Identification Bug' in which the biological apparatus misattributes the Fundamental Observer's illumination to its own processing, and that this model unifies waking, deep sleep, and non-dual mystical states. |
Abstract
Current neuroscientific paradigms primarily rely on emergentism to explain subjective qualitative experience (qualia), positing that consciousness arises organically from complex neural architecture. Despite extensive mapping of neural correlates, the "Hard Problem of Consciousness" remains unresolved, failing to explain how physical matter generates subjective awareness. The Fundamental Observer Hypothesis (FOH) proposes a radical paradigm shift: Consciousness is not an emergent property of the biological brain but a fundamental, non-dual, spaceless, and timeless constant. In this framework, the biological brain operates strictly as a 'Detector' and 'Rendering Engine'. The phenomenon commonly identified as the psychological "Ego" or localized self is mathematically defined as a "False Identification Bug"—a computational error wherein the inert biological apparatus attributes the Fundamental Observer's illumination to its own processing. By separating the biological hardware from the absolute awareness field, this model provides a unified explanation for waking states, deep sleep, and non-dual mystical states induced by profound meditation or neurochemical alterations.
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