Phenomenology, Information, and the Convergence of Ontic and Epistemic Domains

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Authors: John Cantellow
Cited by: 0

Abstract

This paper proposes a phenomenological framework in which consciousness functionsas the domain of convergence between ontic reality (what exists) and epistemicstructure (what is known). Contemporary approaches often treat ontology andepistemology as separable, leaving the role of lived experience under-theorized.Drawing on the philosophy of information, the paper argues that information comprisesnot only physical representations, but also abstract meaning and interpretive rules,which are not themselves governed by physical law. While physical representations aresubject to causal and spatiotemporal constraints, meaning is realized only withinexperience.To articulate this relationship, the paper develops a triadic model distinguishing ontic,epistemic, and phenomenological domains. Within this model, phenomenologicalconsciousness is not treated as an ontologically independent substance or a product ofphysical processes alone, but as the experiential field in which physical reality andabstract meaning are unified as lived understanding. Neural activity is interpreted asmediating, rather than ontologically producing, conscious experience.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Philosophy and Theoretical Science Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy Epistemology Ethics and Metaphysics

Publication details

Journal / source
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Publication date
23 February 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Preprint