String Theory, Universal Mind, and the Paranormal

Abstract

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.

6 pages. Presented at the Second European Samueli Symposium, Freiburg, October 2003. Keywords: ESP, string theory, anthropic principle, thought bubble, universal mind, mental state