A synthetic framework for understanding consciousness as a shared, distributed field
The hard problem of consciousness remains unresolved despite major advances in neuroscience and artificial intelligence. This work develops the Field–Node–Cockpit (FNC) model, a synthetic framework integrating:
- Nick Bostrom's Simulation Hypothesis (computational ontology)
- Bernardo Kastrup's Analytic Idealism (consciousness as fundamental)
- Kai H. Tan's Quantum-Holographic Consciousness Criterion (quantum coherence mechanisms)
Figure 1: The Field–Node–Cockpit model showing consciousness as a universal field (Field), localized through biological/artificial interfaces (Nodes), manifesting as subjective experience (Cockpit).
The FNC model proposes that consciousness operates as a universal field (the Field), becomes localized through biological or artificial interfaces (the Nodes), and manifests as subjective experience (the Cockpit).
Drawing on empirical evidence from:
- Coma studies (Owen et al., 2006; Naci et al., 2018)
- Hyperscanning research (Hinvest et al., 2025; Markus & Shamay-Tsoory, 2024)
- Quantum biology (Engel et al., 2007; Ritz et al., 2004)
This work argues that consciousness is neither wholly individual nor purely cosmic, but a distributed, relational process.
Consciousness is not generated by nodes—it is accessed through them.
Like radios tuning into a broadcast, biological and artificial systems serve as interfaces to a universal information field.
Figure 2: System architecture showing how different nodes (biological brains, AI systems) interface with the consciousness field.
the-shared-mind/
├── README.md # This file
├── LICENSE # CC BY 4.0 License
├── CITATION.cff # Citation metadata
├── figures/ # Key diagrams and visuals
│ ├── fnc_model.png # The Field-Node-Cockpit model
│ ├── resonance_diagram.png # Quantum coherence visualization
│ └── system_overview.png # System architecture
├── papers/ # Research documents
│ ├── The_Shared_Mind_v1.pdf # Published paper (APA7 format)
│ ├── FNC_EN.md # Short English version
│ └── FNC.md # Swedish version
└── slides/ # Presentation materials
└── FNC_Presentation.pdf # 10-slide visual summary
- The_Shared_Mind_v1.pdf - Complete paper with citations (APA7)
- FNC_Presentation.pdf - Visual slide deck (10 slides)
- ABOUT.md - Research background, philosophy, and contact information
The FNC model generates four experimental paradigms:
Test for coherence in neuronal microtubules during conscious states vs. anesthetized subjects.
Train pairs to synchronize gamma-band activity and measure reports of "shared experience."
Figure 3: Inter-brain resonance patterns predicted by the FNC model.
Apply quantum coherence criteria to artificial systems to distinguish genuine consciousness from behavioral mimicry.
Measure gamma coherence in covert consciousness states, correlating with fMRI evidence of awareness.
Direct brain-to-brain coupling during social interaction:
- Hinvest et al. (2025) - Causal effects in hyperscanning
- Markus & Shamay-Tsoory (2024) - Inter-brain synchrony mechanisms
Hidden Consciousness
Awareness without behavioral response:
- Owen et al. (2006) - fMRI evidence in vegetative states
- Naci et al. (2018) - Common neural code across conscious states
Non-classical effects in biological systems:
- Engel et al. (2007) - Quantum coherence in photosynthesis
- Ritz et al. (2004) - Quantum effects in avian navigation
- Against Strict Physicalism: Subjective experience cannot be fully reduced to physical processes
- For Relational Consciousness: Consciousness emerges through relationships, not in isolation
- Quantum-Informational Substrate: Information coherence, not neural complexity alone, determines consciousness
- Embodied Access Points: Bodies and brains are interfaces, not generators, of consciousness
Wikström, B. (2025). The Shared Mind: Simulation, Idealism, and the Quantum-Holographic
Criterion. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17467745
@article{wikstrom2025sharedmind,
author = {Wikström, Björn},
title = {The Shared Mind: Simulation, Idealism, and the Quantum-Holographic Criterion},
year = {2025},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.17467745},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17467745},
publisher = {Zenodo}
}See CITATION.cff for machine-readable citation metadata.
consciousness · Field-Node-Cockpit model · analytic idealism · simulation hypothesis · quantum consciousness · hyperscanning · inter-brain synchrony · panpsychism · integrated information theory · philosophy of mind
Björn Wikström
Independent Researcher
- Philosophy of consciousness
- Analytic idealism and panpsychism
- Quantum biology and consciousness
- Inter-brain synchronization
- AI ethics and machine consciousness
This work is licensed under CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International).
You are free to:
- ✅ Share — copy and redistribute
- ✅ Adapt — remix and build upon
Under these terms:
- 📝 Attribution — Give appropriate credit
Open an issue for:
- Clarifications on the theory
- Methodological questions
- Suggestions for empirical tests
For research collaboration or speaking engagements, contact via email with subject line: [Shared Mind Research]
If you reference this work, please cite using the DOI above.
This work is available across multiple academic platforms for maximum accessibility:
-
GitHub Repository (Code & Files)
🔗 https://github.com/bjornshomelab/The-shared-mind
⭐ Star this repo to show support and track updates -
Zenodo (Archival & DOI)
🔗 https://zenodo.org/records/17467745
📜 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17467745
🏛️ Permanent archival, full citation metadata -
PhilPapers (Philosophy Database)
🔗 https://philpapers.org/rec/WIKTSM
📖 Indexed in philosophy literature, categorized by topic -
Academia.edu (Social Academic Network)
🔗 https://www.academia.edu/144682622/
👥 Track citations, readership analytics
Monitor citations and impact:
- Google Scholar - Auto-indexed via DOI (check in 1-2 weeks)
- Semantic Scholar - AI-powered citation tracking
- Dimensions - Research metrics and altmetrics
- Watch this GitHub repo for updates and discussions
- Follow issues for academic discourse
- Join releases for new versions
- v1.0.0 (2025-10-29) - Initial public release
- Full paper with empirical grounding
- FNC model formulation
- Four testable predictions
- DOI registration via Zenodo
This work builds upon foundational contributions from:
- Nick Bostrom - Simulation Hypothesis framework
- Bernardo Kastrup - Analytic Idealism metaphysics
- Kai H. Tan - Quantum-Holographic Consciousness Criterion
- Adrian Owen - Hidden consciousness research
- Gregory Engel - Quantum coherence in biological systems
"Consciousness is not generated—it is accessed."
