On Coherence as a Universal Metric: A Physical Framework

We propose that coherence — defined as the degree of internal phase-synchronization of an information-processing system — serves as a formally valid proxy for truth across physical and biological domains. By synthesizing concepts from thermodynamics, signal processing, and neuroscience, we demonstrate that "truth" can be modeled as the thermodynamic ground state of an open system. The framework identifies three distinct operating regimes (recursive loop, coherent reception, coherent emission) and derives testable predictions amenable to existing instrumentation, including EEG gamma synchrony and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) coherence. We discuss the parallels between this framework, Penrose-Hameroff Orch-OR theory, and Prigogine’s dissipative structures, suggesting that cognitive dissonance and deception are thermodynamically expensive states characterized by high impedance and entropy production.