diff --git a/Proof_of_OI.md b/Proof_of_OI.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6731950 --- /dev/null +++ b/Proof_of_OI.md @@ -0,0 +1,94 @@ +# Proof of Open Individualism from the Principle of Sufficient Reason and Extended Modal Realism + +## Assumptions + +- **PSR (Principle of Sufficient Reason)**: Every fact has a sufficient explanation. +- **EMR (Extended Modal Realism)**: All possible, impossible, and incoherent worlds are real. +- Conscious subjects exist in (some) worlds. +- **Phenomenal indexicality**: Each conscious subject experiences their own perspective (what it's like to be "me"). + +--- + +## Step-by-Step Proof of Open Individualism + +### 1. Define the Subject of Experience + +Let a *subject of experience* be the entity for which there is *something it is like* to exist (Nagel 1974). This is often modeled as an **observer-moment**: an instantaneous state of phenomenal consciousness. + +Let the **set of all observer-moments** across all modalities be denoted: + +\[ +\mathcal{O} +\] + +By EMR, \( \mathcal{O} \) contains every logically, illogically, metaphysically, and physically possible observer-moment. + +--- + +### 2. Observer-Moment Identity + +Let \( o_1, o_2 \in \mathcal{O} \) be any two observer-moments. Assume for contradiction that they belong to *distinct* subjects of experience. + +This implies a distinction between subjects—say \( S_1 \) and \( S_2 \)—where \( o_1 \in S_1 \), \( o_2 \in S_2 \). + +But such a distinction requires explanation under **PSR**: +- Why does \( o_1 \) belong to \( S_1 \) and not \( S_2 \), and vice versa? + +--- + +### 3. No Sufficient Reason for Subject Boundaries + +Per **EMR**, *every* way of carving up experience—including *no carving at all*—exists in some world. There are incoherent worlds with: +- No subject boundaries, +- Reversed or cyclic boundaries, +- Infinitely fractal or inconsistent individuation. + +Therefore, **any particular boundary assignment is modally arbitrary**. + +By **PSR**, this arbitrariness is unacceptable: +> There must be a sufficient reason for why *this* partitioning of observer-moments into subjects holds rather than another. + +But EMR ensures *every* partitioning exists. So no single partition can be ontologically privileged **without violating PSR**. + +--- + +### 4. Eliminate Arbitrary Multiplicity + +To preserve PSR, we must **eliminate all arbitrary distinctions** between observer-moments. + +This leads to the only viable identity structure: +> **Open Individualism (OI)**: All observer-moments are experienced by one and the same subject. + +All other identity theories (e.g., Closed Individualism or Empty Individualism) impose distinctions that: +- Lack sufficient reason, +- Conflict with EMR’s universal realization of partitionings, +- Therefore **violate PSR**. + +--- + +### 5. Objection: Why *One* and Not *Many*? + +OI is not privileging “one” per se. Rather: +- It imposes **no boundaries**, +- It is **identity-minimal**, +- It **avoids arbitrary structure**. + +Hence, it is the only account compatible with **PSR + EMR**. + +Any multiplicity implies a modally unjustified subject individuation. + +--- + +## ✅ Conclusion + +Given: +- **PSR**: No arbitrary or unexplained facts, +- **EMR**: All identity structures exist across worlds, +- **OI**: The only non-arbitrary, non-partitioned account of experience, + +We conclude: + +> **Open Individualism is necessarily true**: there exists a single, modally unbounded subject who experiences every observer-moment. + +Any alternative view entails unexplained distinctions—thus violating the Principle of Sufficient Reason. +