existerions

Existerions are a hypothetical class of quasi-particles posited in some speculative cosmology and philosophy of science to model the realization of existence from potential to actual. In these frameworks, an existerion is thought to be the excitation of an underlying field or state that encodes the actuality of a condition or event, rather than a conventional energy-carrying particle.

Etymology and origin: The term existerion combines existence with the -ion suffix common to particle names. It emerged in early 21st-century discussions as an abstract concept used in thought experiments and speculative literature, rather than as an established physical entity.

Theoretical status and proposed properties: Theories differ, but existerions are typically described as weakly interacting with standard-model matter and radiation, enabling them to influence or reflect states of existence without dominating dynamics. Some models treat them as massless or nearly massless quanta; others allow tiny masses. They are often linked to interpretations of quantum measurement, consciousness, or ontological categorization, serving as a bridge between potentiality and actuality.

Evidence and reception: There is no empirical evidence for existerions, and they remain a speculative construct. They are debated in philosophical circles and appear in certain science-fiction contexts as a narrative device. Critics view them as metaphysical or non-falsifiable, while proponents see them as a useful heuristic for formalizing certain ideas about existence.

See also: Quantum ontology, Measurement problem, Hypothetical particles, Ontology in science.