Thermodynamic Introversion as an Observability Filter for Advanced Civilizations

This work proposes the concept of thermodynamic introversion as an alternative resolution of the Fermi paradox. Instead of extinction or rarity, advanced civilizations may transition from extensive, high-visibility expansion to intensive, internally focused development, maximizing subjective experience per unit energy. By integrating Landauer’s principle with a co-evolutionary loop between exploration and optimization, the model introduces an observability filter in which mature systems become externally faint (low thermal and electromagnetic signatures) while increasing internal complexity. The paper is conceptual and theoretical in nature and is intended as a preprint for open scientific discussion.