Eleven Identical Brains Reveal a Non-Copyable Component of Conscious Identity

25 February 2026, Version 1
This content is an early or alternative research output and has not been peer-reviewed by Cambridge University Press at the time of posting.

Abstract

The persistence of unique conscious identity despite complete neural material turnover has no explanation in current neuroscience or physics. Here I present three thought experiments—perfect revival, perfect copy, and simultaneous multiplication of identical brains—that reveal an inescapable trilemma for any framework identifying consciousness solely with brain structure or information processing. When multiple physically identical brains exist simultaneously, the original consciousness must either occupy all (contradicting the unity of experience), occupy none (making every person replaceable by perfect simulations), or occupy exactly one by arbitrary selection (no physical principle determines which). Global Neuronal Workspace Theory, Integrated Information Theory, and Orchestrated Objective Reduction all fail to resolve this trilemma. I therefore propose that consciousness includes a non-copyable quantum information structure that carries unique numerical identity and bonds with neural magnetic fields via bidirectional resonance. This structure records volitional mental activity and probabilistically biases synaptic release, explaining the causal efficacy of conscious experience. At brain death, it undergoes non-local transfer via quantum teleportation to a resonant nascent nervous system. The model generates five falsifiable predictions testable with existing MEG and terahertz spectroscopy technologies. This framework resolves the Subjective Binding Problem within extended but physically coherent naturalism.

Keywords

Consciousness
Quantum biology
Neuroplasticity
Identity
Information theory
Thought experiment

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