Information Dimensional Theory (IDT): Ontological Primacy of Information and Emergent Reality

Abstract

Information Dimensional Theory (IDT) proposes that **information is the zeroth dimension** — the foundational ontological layer — manifesting as continuous gradients of certainty (from complete indeterminacy to maximal determination). All higher dimensions (spatial, temporal, experiential, and gravitational) emerge from the aggregation and dynamics of these gradients. Physical entities possess no independent substance; they are high-certainty informational aggregates. Quantum indeterminacy is not superposition of substances but absence of sufficient certainty. The theory unifies quantum interpretations, embraces computational undecidability, explains qualia as low-resolution projections, and extends naturally to quantum gravity, where spacetime and gravity are emergent informational phenomena.

1. Introduction

Quantum mechanics has destroyed naive realism. Bell's theorem eliminates local realism, superposition shows properties are contextual, entanglement demonstrates non-locality. Yet the emergence of classical certainty from quantum fog remains unexplained.

IDT resolves this by asserting: **information precedes substance**. Reality is built from continuous certainty gradients, not discrete bits or independent things. This extends Wheeler's "It from Bit" (1989) by replacing binary information with infinite analog gradients. Unobserved states are informational absences ("fog"); determination creates meaning and existence.

2. Core Postulates

2.1 Zeroth Dimension: Information as Primordial Certainty

Information is the zeroth dimension — a continuous scalar field of certainty (0 = pure indeterminacy / fog, 1 = maximal classical determination).  

- Certainty gradient ≈ |ψ|² (probability density), but ontologically prior.  

- Higher dimensions emerge via gradient expansion and coherence:  

  - 1D: sequential certainty transitions (time-like)  

  - 2D: correlated planar gradients  

  - 3D: volumetric informational structures  

  - 4D: evolving certainty landscape (spacetime)

2.2 No Independent Substance

Particles, fields, macroscopic objects = high-certainty informational clusters. Without anchoring certainty, no substantive "thing" exists. Superposition = low-certainty fog; measurement = imposition of certainty.

2.3 Integration with Interpretations

- Many-Worlds: branching = continuous gradient density, not discrete splits. Decoherence selects high-certainty "worlds".  

- QBism / Relational QM: states = subjective certainty assignments; reality = perspectival.  

- Undecidability: quantum spectral gaps, thermalization, long-term dynamics inherently uncomputable (Cubitt et al., 2015), reflecting infinite gradient continuity.

3. Qualia and Macroscopic Emergence

Qualia = low-resolution neural projections of certainty gradients, creating illusion of independent substance. Decoherence amplifies high-certainty structures, suppresses fog → classical stability. Schrödinger's cat = low-certainty indeterminacy until observation anchors certainty.

4. Application to Quantum Gravity

4.1 Emergent Spacetime

At Planck scales, low-certainty fog dissolves geometry into pure informational gradients. Spacetime emerges holographically from entanglement networks (shared certainty gradients). Entanglement = correlated certainty across informational loci.

4.2 Gravity as Certainty Dynamics

Gravity = tendency of certainty gradients to minimize relative entropy (or certainty differentials). High-certainty aggregates (matter) induce gradients in surrounding fog → curvature. Aligns with entropic gravity and quantum-information approaches to GR.

4.3 Black Holes & Information

Event horizons = sharp certainty transitions (classical propagation impossible). Information preserved across holographic gradients. Hawking radiation = certainty leakage from interior high-gradient to exterior low-gradient regions.

4.4 Predictions

- Planck-scale GR deviations: increased indeterminacy, not new particles.  

- Gravitational entanglement experiments detect certainty-gradient signatures.  

- Emergent dark energy from global certainty imbalances.

5. Conclusion

IDT reframes ontology: information-first, continuous certainty gradients generate all structure, experience, spacetime, gravity. Physical reality = illusion of aggregated determination. The universe is participatory, perspectival, undecidable at core. Future: develop gradient field equations, seek signatures in quantum gravity phenomenology and information experiments.

References (主要)  

- Wheeler, J. A. (1989). Information, Physics, Quantum.  

- Bell, J. S. (1964). EPR Paradox.  

- Everett, H. (1957). Relative State.  

- Fuchs, C. A. et al. (QBism).  

- Cubitt et al. (2015). Undecidability (Nature).  

- Takayanagi (2025). Emergent Holographic Spacetime.  

- Bianconi (2025). Entropic Gravity (Phys. Rev. D).