2003/12/02 by Brian D. Josephson, Josephson, Brian D.
Medicine · Physics and Astronomy · Psychology · #Biofield Effects and Biophysics #FOS: Physical sciences #General Physics (physics.gen-ph) #Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs #Quantum Mechanics and Applications
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.physics/0312012
openalex publication_date 2003/12/02 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
A model consistent with string theory is proposed for so-called paranormal phenomena such as extra-sensory perception (ESP). Our mathematical skills are assumed to derive from a special 'mental vacuum state', whose origin is explained on the basis of anthropic and biological arguments, taking into account the need for the informational processes associated with such a state to be of a life-supporting character. ESP is then explained in terms of shared 'thought bubbles' generated by the participants out of the mental vacuum state. The paper concludes with a critique of arguments sometimes made claiming to 'rule out' the possible existence of paranormal phenomena.