A scientist has introduced a novel theory to elucidate the phenomenon of human consciousness, proposing that it originates from concealed dimensions rather than being merely a product of brain activity.
Michael Pravica, a professor of physics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, posits that engaging in art, science, philosophy, or dreaming connects us with unseen dimensions of the universe. His theory of hyperdimensionality suggests that the universe encompasses more dimensions than the four familiar to us: height, length, width, and time.
“The ability to conceive of dimensions beyond the fourth in our minds and mathematics is a gift; it transcends biology,” Pravica explained to Popular Mechanics.
It is important to recognize that for centuries, scientists have endeavored to understand human consciousness and its origins. A prominent theory posits that consciousness correlates with the extent of information integration across various brain regions; greater integration equates to higher levels of consciousness.
Additionally, there is a theory that conscious states are governed by top-down signaling within the brain, where information, expectations, or context are transmitted from higher-level to lower-level brain areas. Pravica’s theory, however, extends beyond the realm of neuroscience and delves into theoretical physics.
He proposed that in times of heightened awareness, like entering a dream state or engaging in deeply creative or intellectual activities, our consciousness may transcend the physical realm and ascend to a higher plane. In these instances, our consciousness aligns with concealed dimensions, drawing a stream of inspiration, according to Pravica.
To better understand this controversial theory, consider the following scenario. Imagine that you are a two-dimensional being living in a two-dimensional world, like a comic book character. Now imagine that a sphere passes through your plane of vision. The sphere will appear as a dot that gets bigger and bigger as you get closer, and then gradually shrinks until it disappears from view. You will not be able to tell that it is actually a three-dimensional figure.
Pravica sees us as a version of these two-dimensional characters. Although we exist in a four-dimensional world, we can only perceive matter and energy that belong to these four dimensions, just as beings in a two-dimensional world cannot perceive a three-dimensional object. Thus, the limitations of our world do not allow us to discover higher dimensions that, theoretically, could exist around us.
This is the basis of hyperdimensionality – the idea that the Universe is made up of many dimensions, some of which are hidden because they are beyond the reach of our physical world. Hyperdimensionality is related to string theory, which states that reality is made up of infinitely small vibrating strings that are smaller than atoms, electrons, or quarks. As strings vibrate, twist, and fold, they produce effects in several invisible dimensions that give rise to all the particles and forces we can observe, from particle physics to gravity.
“String theory is essentially a theory of hyperspace,” Pravica explains. “It studies how the universe works on a subquantum scale.”
While the effects of vibrating strings on our dimension’s physics are observable, the hidden dimensions in which they oscillate remain unobservable. However, according to Pravica, our consciousness might be capable of connecting with these dimensions. Hyperdimensionality and string theory have garnered widespread acceptance among physicists, yet Pravica’s concept linking them to consciousness stirs controversy, especially as it tends to merge science with spirituality.
Pravica, an Orthodox Christian holding a PhD from Harvard, considers hyperdimensionality as a means to reconcile his scientific knowledge with his religious faith. He posits, for instance, that Jesus could be a hyperdimensional entity.
“According to the Bible, Jesus ascended to heaven after spending 40 days on Earth,” Pravica inquires. “How would a four-dimensional being ascend to heaven?”
He proposed that Jesus, as a hyperdimensional entity, could theoretically move between our world and heaven, with the latter being potentially a domain of higher or infinite dimensions.
Stephen Haller, an associate professor of physics at Fordham University, asserts that Prawitz’s theory relies on the “God of the Gaps” concept. This idea proposes that divine intervention explains the gaps in scientific knowledge. However, Haller argues that this perspective is insufficient and hinders the scientific exploration needed to understand and explain mysterious phenomena such as human consciousness.
“It’s an inadequate explanation mechanism that likely hinders the type of curious mind necessary for good science and implies that admitting ignorance is incorrect,” Holler explained to Popular Mechanics.
He notes that our ability to mathematically manipulate higher dimensions is not proof that they actually exist or that our consciousness can interact with them.The LHC accelerates particles to incredibly high speeds, nearly reaching the speed of light. This enables physicists to probe the fundamental components of matter and energy and to explore dimensions that are even smaller than a proton.
However, the LHC is not capable of detecting the high-dimensional strings predicted by quantum physics; a far more powerful collider would be required for such detail. Without solid evidence, the concept of hyperspace verges on the realm of science fiction, according to Holler.
Nonetheless, Pravica remains hopeful, believing that such technology may emerge within his children’s lifetimes. In the meantime, he continues to advocate for hyperspace and its connection to our consciousness. He notes that our ability to mathematically manipulate higher dimensions is not proof that they actually exist or that our consciousness can interact with them.
Moreover, exploration of these higher dimensions is impossible due to the limitations of our current technological capabilities. Even the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), cannot provide real evidence of the existence of these dimensions.
