The Qualia-Exclusive Simulation Thesis (QEST): A Unified Model for Quantum Reality and Consciousness

The Qualia-Exclusive Simulation Thesis (QEST) proposes that physical reality is not continuously material but is rendered “on-demand” through conscious observation. Unobserved regions of the universe exist as compressed informational states within a Probability Grid (PG), which acts as the fundamental substrate. QEST introduces a formal observer model based on Integrated Information (Φ), derives Special Relativity from computational cycle allocation, and interprets black holes as informational compression nodes that preserve unitarity through holographic encoding and Hawking radiation. This updated version expands the black hole section, clarifies the two-stage collapse mechanism, and strengthens the connection between computational limits, quantum measurement, and spacetime geometry. QEST is proposed as a unified informational framework capable of addressing the Measurement Problem, the Hard Problem of Consciousness, and the Black Hole Information Paradox under one coherent model.