This presentation explores the Pribram-Bohm theory of consciousness, which proposes that consciousness is an energy flux resonating between two domains: the familiar space-time explicate order and a deeper, underlying implicate order. Drawing on the work of physicist David Bohm and neuroscientist Karl Pribram, the theory suggests the Fourier transform acts as a bridge between these realms, much like a lens. The concept of the Planck length is presented as the fundamental limit of space, marking the boundary where the implicate order begins, existing everywhere at the center of space and potentially serving as the substrate for consciousness. The presentation also speculates on the physical location of this process within the brain, suggesting the ventricular cavities may function as a lens connecting these two orders.
The Pribram-Bohm Hypothesis.mp4
This document explores the core concepts of the Pribram-Bohm holoflux theory, its origins in the work of physicist David Bohm and neuroscientist Karl Pribram, and its implications for understanding consciousness.
The Pribram-Bohm hypothesis, also known as holoflux theory, proposes a radical and unconventional view of consciousness, suggesting it is not solely a function of brain activity but is fundamentally related to the underlying structure of the universe. The theory posits that consciousness manifests as energy flux resonating between two fundamental domains: the explicate order (our perceived space-time reality) and the implicate order (a deeper, non-local reality). The concept of the hologram is central to this theory, suggesting a distributed and interconnected nature of information.
Origins of the Theory: David Bohm and Karl Pribram
The holoflux theory emerged from the independent work of two prominent scientists:
David Bohm: A quantum physicist and friend of Albert Einstein, Bohm's early work focused on plasma physics. He observed the self-organizing and protective nature of plasmas, which he saw as having qualities of living beings. This fascination with underlying order led him to develop the concept of the implicate order – a hidden, unmanifest reality from which the explicate order (our observable universe) unfolds. Bohm believed that consciousness is fundamentally rooted in this implicate order. He stated, "Let me propose that Consciousness is basically in the implicate order."
Karl Pribram: A neuroscientist who spent years searching for the location of memory storage (the engram) in the brain. His experiments at the Yerkes Primate Research Center revealed that memories were not localized in specific areas but were distributed throughout the cerebral cortex. Pribram's work strongly suggested that the brain utilizes holographic field transformations as a fundamental mechanism of perception. He discovered three-dimensional electric fields within the dendritic webs of the cerebral cortex, which he called holoscape contours, noting their similarity to fractals and suggesting a "Quantum neurodynamics." Pribram summarized his view by stating, "The medium that allows us to observe the cosmos is radiation."
Key Concepts and Mechanisms
he Pribram-Bohm hypothesis relies on several key concepts and proposed mechanisms:
The Implicate Order and the Explicate Order: Bohm's central idea is that reality exists on two levels. The explicate order is the manifest, observable world of space and time that we experience with our senses. The implicate order is a deeper, enfolded, and non-local reality that underlies the explicate order. Information is distributed and interconnected within the implicate order, similar to how information is distributed across a holographic plate. The explicate order is seen as a projection or unfolding of the implicate order. The implicate order is described as being "at the center everywhere below a spatial scale of 10^-35 M the plon length."
The Planck Length (10^-35 M): This fundamental constant, calculated by Max Planck, represents the smallest possible unit of length. The theory suggests that the implicate order begins at this scale, the "end of the line" or the "bottom limit of space." Bohm believed that "to suppose that there is nothing Beyond this limit at all would indeed be quite arbitrary rather it is very probable that Beyond it lies a further domain or set of domains of the nature of which we have as yet little or no idea."
The Plenum: Bohm proposed that at the Planck length, reality constitutes an "actual plenum." He stated, "what we perceive through the senses is empty space is actually the plenum which is the ground for the existence of everything including ourself." Things in the explicate order are seen as "derivative forms" generated and sustained by the plenum.
The Fourier Transform: This mathematical tool is posited as the fundamental mechanism for information interchange between the explicate and implicate orders. The Fourier transform allows for the conversion of information between the space-time domain (explicate order) and the frequency or spectral domain (implicate order). As illustrated by Dirac's diagram, the Fourier transform is "the operational bridge between the two domains the spectral and space time." The theory suggests that the energy of consciousness operates in a similar fashion, "moving in and out between the two domains."