Observer Theory: A Record-Based Causal-Set Framework with CPT-Paired Collapse

This preprint proposes a framework in which physical reality is a growing causal set of permanent records, originating in a single two-sided first distinction. Time is the count of causal-set elements. The two branches of the origin are related by an exact CPT order-automorphism, and every record is written together with its CPT image. Outcomes are fixed by a discrete collapse rule. Matter writes into a record field (after Bedingham, 2011), which is read with Born-rule probabilities over causal diamonds aligned with the rest frame of the local matter. The rule permits no faster-than-light signalling, depends only on causal order, and evades Myrvold's no-go theorem through the non-standard record field. The localization width is not a constant. It is set by the recorded internal energy density ε as ℓ = (ħc/ε)^(1/4), giving 2.4–3.8 nm in room-temperature solids and wider values in colder matter. Predictions: - A collapse rate of order 10⁻¹⁶ s⁻¹, with spontaneous X-ray emission within a factor of a few of current Gran Sasso sensitivity. - Collapse heating that depends on temperature, which standard collapse models do not predict. A germanium target at room temperature should emit about five times more than at 77 K. - No faster-than-light signalling. - Inherited: the causal-set estimate of the cosmological constant and the Boyle–Finn–Turok CPT-symmetric universe predictions. Numerical estimates are order-of-magnitude. Prepared with assistance from Claude (Anthropic) for literature search, derivations and drafting. Not peer reviewed.