1 Plus Infinity - a Complex UniverseCondition of Existence

Anthropic Principal

Cosmological principal that theories of the universe are constrained by the necessity to allow human existence.

The notion is potentially ridiculous but there is an interesting aspect related to the principle, namely that reversing it gives rise to a potential truth:-

All of existence (which surprisingly includes human existence!) is constrained by the nature of its existence –

The Condition of Existence
or perhaps more precisely -
The Condition of the Universe

This would appear to be a somewhat confused concept. Cosmology as the science of the origin of the universe seeks to imply that the driver for existence is ‘human existence’. This really needs to be turned on its head but there is something in the principal that still rings true. It is the concept of constraint, not of the necessity to allow human existence but of the constraint that Condition of Existence operating in the Physical Universe places on the process of evolution. A constraint that has resulted in human existence and indeed of all existence.

Behaviour

This term can be used in a number of contexts but in general terms relates to how entities respond and interact with the environment in which they are a part. The term can be used in connection with any entity, be inanimate or living and it is interesting that in the contexts of Wholeness and the related Condition of Existence it should be recognised that behaviour is a property possessed by all things. Indeed, it can itself be seen as having the properties of wholeness, for behaviour is a mutually interactive response between both the components of existence and the existence itself.

Behaviour

Behaviour of Life Forms

Behaviour, as demonstrated by life forms, is of particular interest in that interaction of living entities with their environment is significantly related to the sensory systems that evolution has created for them. In the case of thinking entities, the sensory systems and their associated core, the brain, which should be recognised as the primary sense organ, makes behaviour of special interest. Behaviour becomes an interface process between the Phenomenal Universe and the Physical Universe. This can be seen as complementary to the to the concept of the brain acting as the portal between the two Universes.

It is important to understand the significance of behaviour, as a component of existence acting in the context of Wholeness. For thinking entities behaviour is fundamentally a product of their minds and is the way in which they find it appropriate to represent themselves to the Physical Universe as a result of the interpretive function of the brain acting on the external and internal experiences to which the brain of the entity has been exposed; this is of course constantly changing as both the brain and existence evolves.

For thinking entities behaviour becomes the means that they have of presenting themselves to and in the Physical Universe and in turn is the source of experience used by other thinking entities in their assessment of the thinking being implementing that behaviour. Communication, in its various forms, is integral to this behavioural process and plays a highly significant role in way in which the whole process functions.

Behaviour

Chaos

Randomness, unpredictability, non-determinism

The definition given in the Oxford Concise Dictionary in relation to Physics is – ‘the property of a complex system whose behaviour is so unpredictable as to appear random, owing to great sensitivity to small changes in conditions’

The contention of the 1PlusInfinity Website is that Chaos does exist i.e. that it does not just appear to exist. That is to say that in the present the actual condition of existence is NOT predictable. It only arrives in the present as a result of a sequence of events that can be seen to have been deterministic. But its arrival in the present is accompanied by the arrival of an unlimited range of previously unrelated products of other conditions of existence. A state that gives rise to modification within the prevailing condition that is truly both random and non-deterministic. Of course proving it is not easy.

It would be nice to say that, because Phenomenal Universe mental activity, with its propensity for error as a result of its basis on incomplete exposure to totality, can act on the Physical Universe, randomness has to be inherent. The trouble is that even this is open to extensive debate – mental activity error prone or not may still not be random. However, the 1PlusInfinity Website’s contention is that it is; i.e. mental activity is an example of non-deterministic input influencing the condition of existence in the present in a way the is random. This takes on a higher degree of clarity when the process is seen as existing in a present where new forms of thinking (Phenomenal Universe activity) are being introduced into the present from sources not previously active at any particular position in space-time. (Is that clarity or not?!! – thing is that it really seems to make sense to me, sorry!).

A great deal rests on the term ‘appear’ in the definition given here. While the process of evolution, as one based on condition of existence, would of course continue regardless of the existence of a random, that is unpredictable non-deterministic, chaotic state, the consequence and meaning of existence is dramatically different in a state in which determinism is the reality i.e. one in which chaos does not in fact exists, it only appears to exits.

The use of the term ‘a complex system’ is interesting in that there is an implied notion that such a system would be independent of its surroundings, which of course is impossible, and hence any complexity that apparently exists ‘within’ the system is itself made infinitely more complex as a result of its unavoidable interaction with its surroundings.

Collective Brain

Collective Mind

(See also Universal Consciousness)

The Collective Brain is used to describe the product of the brains of thinking beings working together as a network.

The nature and significance of Phenomenal Universe activity being communicable between thinking entities and the resulting ability to grow understanding, be it right or wrong, based on the exponential growth in ‘knowledge’ that has resulted, makes it important to recognise the implications such networking can have on the course of evolution.

The potential for the collective brain to develop along lines that may ultimately prove to be highly destructive makes our awareness of the significance of our activities as thinking beings of paramount importance and at the same time extremely difficult. The limitation imposed on us by the nature of our own unique and minimal exposure to absolute truth, unless fully understood and acted on, makes the probability of our achieving our intended objectives highly improbable. Our current drive, probably fostered by globalisation, at achieving control and limiting freedom and initiative is probably one of the most harmful and destructive approaches that mankind could possibly take in its ‘progress’ towards continued existence.

There is a very real point of interest here in that, while the activity of the individual brain, its thinking and subsequent modification of brain state subsequent on that thinking, has the high probability of being wrong and responsible for the creation of brain state that is not compatible with the Physical Universe reality / truth (or more correctly is only partially compatible / true), may be potentially causing a negative impact on the Physical Universe, at the same time and through the mediums of communication the Universal Brain may, in the course of evolution, be able to recognise the error and gradually filter out a higher level of truth. In other words in the course of Phenomenal Universe evolution the Universal Brain will naturally come to achieve greater awareness of truth as it relates to the constraints of the Physical Universe. This is not surprising when one takes account of the fact that the Phenomenal Universe is an evolutionary development within the Physical Universe. This gradual evolution of the Universal Brain, importantly to be recognised as a phase of general evolution,

The concept of mind as a higher level creation of the brain, with the brain seen as a physical object upon which the mind, as a metaphysical creation (?), is dependant, is becoming less sustainable in my current thinking. The result is that the idea of collective brain as opposed to collective mind is more appropriate. This may in reality simply cause confusion in that mind remains a highly successful term in defining the product of the brain’s sensory self awareness. However. Collective Brain as opposed to Collective Mind remains the preferred term!!

The concept of Universal Consciousness is also closely linked to this line of thought, although the use of consciousness may to some degree serve to complicate the comparison especially if the logical step of assuming the existence of a Universal Unconsciousness is taken – in terms that is of consciousness of which we are not conscious of in the conscious mind (there I go again!!!). This could in some respects be deemed intuition and in this context might be usefully termed Universal Intuition; I wonder where Bergson and Goethe would stand on this?

Note:-

Recognition here that the evolution of the Phenomenal Universe, as a product of the Physical Universe, with its inherent introduction of partial truth, potential for error, gave rise to Memetic Evolution and subsequently to the evolution of the Universal Brain is of significant importance. We earth based thinking beings can only really relate the concept to our existence on this planet, beyond is, as yet, not within our sphere of truth / reality; although there is a high degree of probability that the Phenomenal Universe does extend beyond our sphere of existence. It is thought provoking to think of there being other Phenomenal Universes, especially if one puts aside the concept of any notion of thought preceding matter, for there then exists a very real probability that with the course of evolution there will come a stage when these independent universes start to interact. This thought relates significantly to the general understanding of evolution as a non-deterministic chaotic process. Within the totality of the Physical Universe the potential for evolution of independent development of pockets of the Phenomenal Universe (since we are talking of a single Physical Universe the concept of Phenomenal Universe as a single item within the Physical Universe is necessary and the idea of their existing independent pockets of that single Phenomenal Universe takes on real meaning  - interestingly the idea can be extended to the Physical Universe itself)

Complexity

In connection with evolution the notion of complexity is not easy to come to terms with, the very process of evolution is highly complex involving continual interaction within the Condition of Existence. However, it is reasonable to overlay the basic process of evolution with a notion of complexity that relates to the general stability of the system to which the process of evolution gives rise. This system may be subject to rates of change varying from very fast to very slow and in this respect complexity can be regarded as a measure of the stability of the system with the complexity of the system being potentially minimal when the stability is high. i.e. simple systems have a greater propensity for being stable.

The process of complexity is complicated by the additional influence of the degree to which the band of stability existing for the current products of the prevailing Condition of Existence is tolerant to changes occurring during the ongoing process of evolution. A change occurring within a Condition of Existence that results in a ‘shift’ outside a band of tolerance could have very dramatic consequences not to just those products within the band of tolerance but to all the products within the condition with consequential chain reactions of the type normally associated with nuclear reactions (explosive or not).

Condition of Existence

(The use of this term in the singular form is deliberate; it better conveys the concept where conditions of existence in fact combine to create the overall Condition)

It is the contention that this is the term which most uniquely defines the process of evolution. Evolution is the process that results from instability existing within a Condition of Existence. While Condition of Existence can be thought of as ‘embracing’ all of existence, while the process of evolution is ongoing, it is conceivable to think of there being areas within Space where there exist ‘independent’ volumes of Condition of Existence.

This can be confusing. As implied in the Primary Term / Expression column Condition of Existence is used in the singular form to encompass the notion inclusion of all the varying conditions that exist. So that it should by this definition not be possible to think of additional states of Condition of Existence. However the concept is thought to be valid, and in human terms just needs to be accepted, and it is an important one in arriving at the notion of a non-deterministic state of Condition of Existence in the present!!

Darwin’s contention was that his theory of Natural Selection embraced ‘The Law of Conditions of Existence’ but it would seem more probable that Condition of Existence, while working hand in hand with evolution, is the one that is doing the embracing!!

Condition of Existence

Mutuality of interdependence of the components comprising a Condition of Existence and the condition itself

This is aimed at recognising that there is total mutual interdependence in existence between the components of a condition of existence and that condition. This effectively means that the condition is as much dependant on its components as the components are on the condition; where the condition is a product of the components, products of which it is comprised.

Dimension

The concept of dimension is a confusing one in that the word is used to describe a number of differing aspects of a basic idea. If we are describing an object we talk in terms of the dimensions of it being related to measurement of size along specific directions, usually defined using a coordinate system that relates the size to three perpendicular axes, up/down, left/right and in/out. We can also talk in terms of entering a dimension, in this context we tend to think in terms of leaving one dimension to enter another, where the new dimension occupies the same volume in space but exists in a different plane.

More broadly it is important to understand dimension as a measure of some property of existence that relates to the condition of existence currently prevailing for the components of that existence. In this respect it is possible to conceive of a number of dimensions not normally regarded as being dimensional, for example truth and physical law both of which can be regarded essentially as variables in much the same way measurements of distance and time are variables.

Note: it is of utmost importance to understand the significance of the concepts of absolute and variable – this is particularly so in relation to space and time, both of which are regarded, contrary to prevailing thinking, as absolutes. This does not mean that they can be currently identified as having a defined centre or starting point, what it does mean is that while it is possible to take measurements of both distance and time for objects positioned relative to each other within ‘space’ that will vary (variables) there is constancy that exists for both distance and time across the total expanse of existence. A dimension does not have to be an absolute and in all probability most dimensions are not absolutes at the same time being an absolute does not mean that within the realm of being an absolute the measure of the dimension cannot also be a variable, indeed, as with all measurement, variability is a given. The absolute nature of a dimension relates to its core nature and, since all dimensions must of necessity be concepts of the brain (mind), must be related to understanding of the experiences to which the collective ‘brain’ has been exposed.

The apparent inconsistency that exists here between current understanding of time and space as variables and that professed here, that they are absolutes, relates only to the way in which the experiences to which the collective brain has been exposed are understood and it is suggested that it is variation within the condition of existence that creates the apparent anomalies currently attributed to variability in time and space.

Dimension

Space

In terms of identification of position with in space relative to three perpendicular axes Space is regarded as being three dimensional, although as discussed elsewhere the non-existence of space makes the possibility of it having any dimensions zero! In terms of positioning of one component of existence relative to another the actual dimensionality of ‘space’ should be regarded as infinite.

Dimension

Time

Dimension

Truth

The concept of truth as a dimension is based around the uniqueness of everything within Space on a constant basis. This of necessity means that the relationships of all the components of space are constantly changing and are constantly unique. Uniqueness must of necessity mean that nothing is identical to anything else and hence the consistency of truth cannot exist across space and must therefore change with time. The concept of the laws of physics and nature are inherent within the meaning of the word truth i.e. law itself becomes a dimension.

Designating some property the dimension is seen as

Dimension

Possibility

The nature of evolution acting in conjunction with Condition of Existence to produce a constantly changing, non repetitive state within the flow of the dimension time, duration, which is of necessity unique, means that that which is possible within the prevailing condition of existence is also both non-repetitive and unique.

Evolution

This is the term used to describe the process of mutually interactive modification / change that occurs to both the components and their environment under the influence of the Condition of Existence of which they are the constituents. Evolution occurs in Space, takes place within the flow of Time, and occurs only in the Present (in the context of Past, Present and Future); it is a product of the uniqueness that is resultant from the Occupancy of Space-Time in that the uniqueness creates imbalance and hence instability within the Condition of Existence of which it is a component. Evolution seeks to address the instability of the Condition of Existence which results in the creation of new products and a consequential increase in the potential complexity of the modified Condition of Existence and its instability.

The process of evolution results in the creation of new products, and this applies primarily and most importantly to the Physical Universe, and new states before the evolution of which their existence would have been impossible.

It should be clearly understood that while evolution tends to result in growth, development and improvement it is not obliged to do so. The creation of new and previously impossible products and states of evolution increases the possibilities within each evolving state, this in turn results in increasing complexity in the evolving state which while in some respects probably decreases the band of tolerance to change in which a product can exist also tends to increase the sophistication of the products. Our minds, operating in the Phenomenal Universe, tend to see this sophistication as improvement. The improvement may however lead directly to the rapid demise, extinction, of the product in the event of relatively moderate change in the overall prevailing Condition of Existence. Under such circumstances the notion of improvement tends to lose its meaning!

Evolution

General Evolution

This is the term used to describe the totality of the process of evolution. It applies equally to the process of evolution of as it works for existence itself and to the development of a new proposal to increase taxation. Everything is seen as evolving and all of evolution is seen as being the process of change taking place in the present to the prevailing Condition of Existence.

There is a

Evolution

Memetic Evolution

This is the phase in the overall process of General Evolution in which the products of the mind, loosely perhaps identifiable as memes but basically being thoughts, ideas, evolve. This process takes place in the realm of the Phenomenal Universe as a component of Phenomenal Evolution, the primary significance of which is its non-dependence on possibility for the creation of its products. In other words it is capable evolving along lines that are wrong or misguided, basically as a result of its dependence on physical states of the brain that are created through unique and limited exposure to the evolving state of the absolute as a result of the mutually interactive interpretive processes ongoing within the brain due to stimulation both from the Physical and Phenomenal Universes. (That’s a mouthful!!)

The distinction is drawn between Phenomenal Evolution and Memetic Evolution because it is felt important to recognise that Memetic Evolution, as evolution of the products of the mind, is a consequential phase of Phenomenal Evolution. Phenomenal Evolution on the other hand is the process of evolution that leads to the creation of mind as a result of the creation of a physical state within a brain, caused by consequential modification of the physical cellular state comprising the brain, through a process of stimulation of sensory systems and nervous system transmission, which is itself able to be sensed and subsequently modified by the ability of the brain to sense its own state.

Evolution

Natural Selection

Evolution is often thought of in terms specifically related to living entities existing within the totality of existence. This approach fails to recognise it as a process fundamental to all of existence. While Darwin’s presentation of the concept of Natural Selection acting in the world of living entities has been highly significant in the advance of understanding of evolution it has in some respects also resulted in a misguided understanding, primarily because Natural Selection has been taken to be the process of evolution, which it is not. Natural Selection, whose concepts have been expanded to include processes of evolution within the wider, non-living world, is in fact no more that a process within the wider realm of evolution

Evolution

Phenomenal Evolution

Evolution

Physical Evolution

Evolution

Progressive, Creative

This is regarded as the process occurring when a Condition of Existence is a net receiver of energy. Within a given condition of existence it is quite conceivable that energy can be transferred from one component of that existence to another, perhaps with the extinction of the component relinquishing the energy but for the condition of existence itself to evolve that condition must be a net receiver on energy.

This is potentially a highly debatable concept and may well have very little scientific support. However, the idea rests on the case for believing that

Evolution

Regressive

The concept of evolution is generally one of expansion and growth, however this does not have to be the case and certainly localised examples of regressive evolution are easily identifiable. The term volvation, as presented later in this glossary, is aimed at recognising the existence of a process of ‘evolution’ that results in three separate ultimate outcomes; expansion, stability and regression all of which are a part of a whole and within the general process of volvation can switch their outcome with time. This is best understood with reference to the concept of Condition of Existence whereby modification within the condition can lead to change that is ultimately incompatible with continued growth. Extinction is a simple example of this process.

Evolution

Stable

The idea of stable evolution is in reality a misnomer, evolution implies a state of instability. But it is used to imply a process of evolution that in broad terms is conducive to long term continuity of type

Evolutional Physical-Chemical Balance

Proposal that evolution is the result of the continual modification of momentary stable state or equilibrium existing between the components of a condition of existence. The implication being that chemical modification taking place within a condition of existence is the result only of the products involved achieving stability with in the conditions prevailing.

Experience

(general)

In very general terms experience is the result of direct exposure to the situation deemed to supply the experience. This can be confusing because it becomes difficult to clearly differentiate between experience and idea especially where the experience is deemed to have been created in the mind or by the brain.

Experience

(level 1)

Physical Universe Experience

Physical Universe Experience is potentially the most valuable form of experience it that if the experience can be captured without the intervention of thought to cause interpretation of the experience it in many ways has the highest potential to represent truth, even if this truth is only partial. Indeed most humans probably subconsciously absorb physical universe experience as a general awareness of situations which serve them well as life progresses and give them the ‘experience’ they need to become better equipped to perform their life functions.

Experience

(level 2)

Phenomenal Universe Experience

Homunculus Theory

Basically a proposition that very small men exist in the brain for the purpose of analysing metal states.

It is a conceptual leap across a gap that exists in understanding as to how the brain is able to create ‘mind’ as a ‘nebulous’ something floating above the actual physical state of the brain, able to respond to that state and, importantly, cause modification to that state. It is related to consciousness.

In reality there seems to be a tendency, indeed a need, for ‘thinking beings’ to make comparisons – this is hardly surprising, all things considered, our total awareness of the physical world is based on comparison of mental states set up as a result of sensory activity. The generally accepted view of brain functionality is that stimulation of the sensory organs causes status information to be passed, via the nervous system, to the brain, where it causes modification of the cellular structure. This modification process in the healthy brain (a functioning brain i.e. one that is not atrophying) is progressive, presumably on two basic levels – modification of existing state and incorporation of previously dormant cells. One wonders to what extent so called ‘junk’ DNA may play a part in this process?

The concept is a bit of a red herring!!

A flower responds to the position of the sun – it just does it, there are no little men present to do the twisting necessary. Of course a flower is not quite the same as a human but there is still a process of sensory response in response to a consciousness of state.

The reality is that it twists as a result of a variance in exposure on the components of the flower due to variance in the condition of existence – this same process occurs in the brain but on an infinitely more complex level. The notion of ‘mind’ is an illusionary one, there is nothing floating above the actual physical state of the brain – just a highly attuned interactive awareness of state.

Laws of Physics

Laws of Nature

The terms ‘Laws of Physics’ and ‘Laws of Nature’ are often used because they convey a generally understood concept – events occurring in the Physical World do so in ways that follow distinct, identifiable patterns or laws. The Site View is that no such laws exist. While the concept of a law fits well with human thinking, the site’s contention is that activity in the Physical Universe is dependant not on laws per se but on possibility (see Limitation of Possibility below)– if something can happen it will, if it can’t it will not. ‘Continuity’ of condition and tolerance to change within bands of variance ensure that under a given set of conditions interaction between components of a condition can only proceed in a single way, direction, to produce the products of the new single state in which all of the components are unique (they exist under a new set of conditions) . The concept of singularity of state is difficult in that it is of course composed of many states but this discussed separately. This gives to an appearance in the human mind, operating in the Phenomenal Universe, of a system functioning in compliance with laws and the general stability of the states created by evolution give rise to identifiable laws, the Laws of Physics / Nature, that, to the human mind, can be described and defined. The uniqueness that exists for everything, functioning as it does only in the present, ensures that such ‘laws’ are themselves dimensional or in other words must of necessity change to accommodate the constant flow of change in the Condition of Existence and by definition cannot in fact be laws.

Limitation of Possibility

This term relates to evolutionary functioning specifically in the Physical Universe. The Physical Universe, while incorporating the higher level of evolution identified as the Phenomenal Universe, is seen as only itself being able to evolve, at its more fundamental level, within the constraints offered by Condition of Existence and as such only in specifically possible ways; ways that cannot be wrong or erroneous.

This should be read in combination with the entries in the Primary Term / Expression column dealing with: - the Laws of Physics and Laws of Nature, and the Universe.

Phenomenon

(pl. phenomena)

Phenomenon can take on board a variety of meanings but fundamentally it about events, happenings, things that occur. The variation in meaning lies in the extent to which the events are considered actual, normal, extreme or real. Such accents placed on the meaning alter its personality and the context in which it is used both reflects and dictates the exact meaning.

For Goethe the meaning is very precise it is an event happening in the world of Nature (in the Physical Universe although he does not use the term) it is an event bound by truth by reality, an event which, when observed, has the potential of conveying truth about the natural world. As such a phenomenon is unique; the problem is that we, thinking beings, are physically and fundamentally unable to experience all but a tiny fraction of what a phenomenon has to offer in terms of information.

As with so many things in life the meanings and significance of words can vary depending on who is using them, how they are use and when.

Singularity of State

Space

The concept of space is highly confusing. Space is that place in which it is possible for some ‘something’ to reside or exist, however fleetingly. But in reality it is nothing, nowhere. In truly empty space the fact that there is nothing there means that before occupancy by ‘something’ it, space, potentially does not exist. A concept that is in some ways comparable with infinity.

Perhaps Space could be thought of as

Space and Time

Space and Time are both conceptual notions arising from the perceptions created in the mind as a result of the interaction of cellar structures within a brain to stimulation from impulses received as a result of exposure to stimulation of the structural components of a body by events occurring in the physical world. The probability of space and time existing in the physical world is debatable. However, assuming existence of the physical world comprising objects formed as a result of interaction of other objects (things, atoms and sub-atomic particles), it is not unreasonable to conceive of these things existing in an environment in which their separate existence implies a notion of space and their modification implies time.

An especially significant factor relating to the concept of space-time is the meaning it gives to the concept of uniqueness in everything

Space-Time

Space-Time Occupancy

Whatever the actual definition of space, the contention here is that that occupancy of space is only possible by one object at a time. The size of the object is itself immaterial in that it must be recognised that any object is itself a composition of other objects – be they physical components, molecules, atoms or sub-atomic particles. Each component object occupies space uniquely. 

Time

Comments here are very likely to verge on being regarded in some quarters as sacrilegious because in terms of curvature of space time they will not be compliant with Einstein’s theories of relativity and the proofs that have supported them. However, at the risk of being thought stupid, I feel that fundamentally there is a contradiction between the process of evolution and its potential for the creation of new products and the notion of space time curving back on itself. This uneasiness may well be purely a product of lack of understanding on my part of relativity and physics in general.

Time

The concept of present within the realm of time

Putting aside the notion of space-time continuance of modern physics and using the perceptions of space and time developed in the mind, it is relatively (no pun intended) easy to envisage a moment in time, the present, at which objects are located in various unique positions in space. At the moment of that present, the concept of the time being the same at all locations makes excellent sense but it has to be realised that at that moment no other object positioned within the space generally occupied by the objects has spontaneous awareness of any other object in the form in which it exists at the moment. The awareness that any one object may have of another is only in the form of an ‘image’ of that object as emitted by the other objects and subject to the comparative states of the object in question.

This is interesting in that perceived space and time may well be different from the reality of something akin, but different, to ‘space and time’ in the physical world. Regardless of the truth of this, it should not actually impact on the validity of applying the perceived concepts of space and time to the physical world.

Understanding

Understanding is an activity of the mind and is based on interpretation of mental states set up in the brain due to the experiences to which it has been previously exposed; these may be experiences source in the Physical or Phenomenal Universe. To understand something is to reach a mental state in which it is possible to feel that

Uniqueness (of Everything)

Uniqueness is seen as the consequence of the existence of all things (Everything) within the (a), four dimensional, environment of Space-Time. While modern physics may seek new dimensions in attempting to understand the complexities of the existence of matter, the notion of uniqueness based on the positioning of matter within the framework of Space-Time should not need to be put into question. Indeed, the addition of new dimensions, or just a single dimension, would only add to an understanding of uniqueness in terms of increased complexity but its clarity within the confines of a three dimensional universe constantly modifying with time i.e. Space-Time, is sufficient for demonstration of Uniqueness in its own right.

Universal Consciousness

Universal Mind, Universal Brain

Universe

This term is used to describe the totality of everything, where principally everything is defined as all things in existence (all things occupying Space). In encompasses the Physical Universe and 

Occupation of Space implies that Space is something, it is not it is nothingness – see glossary entry for Space and the Space Topic in the Primary Topics section.

Universe

Mental Universe

Mental Universe is a term used to encompass the realm of minds as the creators of ideas, thoughts. It can be used in a general way to incorporate all minds and the complexity of impressions that are created both of the Physical and Phenomenal Universes or it can be used in connection with the specific state of an individual mind as a result of the interpretation and manipulation of the physical state of the brain on which it is dependant.

The mental universe might be thought of as being associated to memetic evolution in much the same sort of way as the phenomenal universe is linked with phenomenal evolution

Universe

Phenomenal Universe

The Phenomenal Universe is a subset of the Physical Universe in that it is dependant on the existence of physical states created in brains. However, because of the way in which these physical states are set up and the way in which the states can be modified as a result of the sensory awareness that the brain has of its own state, these states offer only a limited and potentially flawed representation of the Physical World as a whole and are consequentially unreliable. The Phenomenal Universe is comprised of all the minds, as products of the physical world brains, and the ideas that are and have been created by those minds. In addition, and as a result of interaction with the Physical Universe, the Phenomenal Universe evolves as a result of the dissemination between the minds it encompasses through the development of physical universe systems of capturing, conveying, communicating the ideas it is responsible for – right or wrong.

Throughout the 1PlusInfinity Website the use of the terms Physical and Phenomenal, in connection with universe and evolution, relates extensively to the usage made of the terms in Friedrich A. Hayek’s book ‘The Sensory Order’. Broadly speaking Physical relates to the universe of matter, the so called ‘real’ universe’ and Phenomenal relates to the universe of minds. Minds are of the Phenomenal Universe and are products of the sensory ability of the brain to sense its own state; a state that is captured in the complex inter-relational, physical, status of the brains cellular structure that is representational of the indirect communication of stimulations from both external and internal sources; that is both physical and phenomenal sources. This excellent book, while being too early to benefit from the latest advances in understanding related to the brain and mind, investigates in depth many aspects of the relationships existing between them through the medium of sensory systems acting in response to stimulation by energy emitted from or contact with objects in the Physical Universe and creating evolving representational, physical states in the brain. The book is published by the University of Chicago Press, originally in 1952.

Universe

Physical Universe

The assumption is made here that the Physical Universe is a reality i.e. that it exists, not as a perception of the mind but as a ‘fact’. The Physical Universe is the Universe, the total package of all matter and energy, composed of the basic building blocks of matter whose behaviour and interaction is dependant on their conditions of existence or, as conceived in the collective minds of the Phenomenal Universe, a set of physical laws that dictate the interaction that takes place between the products of nature under a controlling sets of conditions, The Condition of Existence. These ‘laws’, or more correctly the condition of existence, dictate what is possible as a result of the interaction that takes place between the components of a condition of existence during the flow of time and as such result in the fundamental property of the Physical Universe that means that error is not possible.

In simple terms this is taking the side of the Realists as opposed to the Idealist in the realm of Philosophy.

See the Site Comment in the entry for Phenomenal Universe.

The concept of error not being possible within the Physical Universe is complicated by the fact that the Phenomenal Universe is itself seen as a component of the Physical Universe, creating as it does an apparent paradox. In this respect it is important to see the Phenomenal Universe as a higher level of evolution operating within the Physical Universe such that while there exists a real potential for error within the Phenomenal Universe that potential cannot cause events to happen in the Physical Universe that are outside the realms of possibility existing within the prevailing Condition of Existence. At the same time it must be recognised that erroneous thinking within the Phenomenal Universe still has the very real potential of influencing the direction evolution and in this respect may cause evolution to proceed in a direction that may, indeed will, result in conditions unsuitable for some of the components of evolved existence.

Volvation

The objective here is to establish a term that incorporates both evolution and its ‘opposite’ while still maintaining the general notion of change through a process of rolling.

The basis of this is that evolution as a process fundamentally implies ‘rolling out’, expansion, development while it is perfectly reasonable to consider a condition in which the progress of change actually results in diminishment, reduction, curtailment i.e. the reverse of evolution, regressive evolution.

Death might be regarded as a processes of ‘negative evolution’, e.g. the burning up of a star, and certainly even within evolution individual systems might be seen as undergoing ‘negative evolution’ even though their existence contributes to the ongoing advance of evolution as a whole.

It is of interest and importance to note here that any term that is used to capture both the concepts of creative and regressive evolution should not be thought of as being of representing a more fundamental level of process. Evolution is and must remain the fundamental process arising out of Condition of Existence, basically because if nothing had evolved in the first place nothing would have ever existed - (that needs to be thought about in terms of ‘the beginning’ but is does seem probable that once that hurdle had been overcome then creative evolution did take over!!)

The use of the term development, which has a tendency to imply improvement, is itself confusing in the context of evolution. In terms of Condition of Existence the process of evolution is one in which ‘rolling out’ is one purely of modification through inevitable interrelation between components whose proximity results in their interaction. In evolutionary terms, especially where such evolution is taking place in the Physical Universe and not the Phenomenal Universe and, where the process involves the creation of new products, more complex systems, the probability is that ‘improvement’ will be the consequence but it is not guaranteed!

Of interest here is the process taking place between the components of a condition and their proximity to one another.