Physics of Decisions: From Einstein’s E = mc2 to Machine Decision-Making Capacity, Mass–Energy Relation & the Limits of Autonomous Computation

This paper extends the framework of Machine Decision-Making Ability (MDMA) by relating it to Einstein’s mass–energy equivalence equation, E = mc2. MDMA quantifies a system’s rate of autonomous state transitions, while E = mc2 defines the total energy reservoir inherent in matter. We argue that energy is the ultimate substrate for decision-making: each autonomous transition requires a quantized energy expenditure, and the mass of a system therefore represents its absolute decision capacity. This paper establishes a conceptual and mathematical bridge: (i) MDMA measures the realized decision flow, (ii) E = mc2 sets the theoretical ceiling, and (iii) physical limits such as Landauer’s bound and Bremermann’s rate provide the scaling laws between them. This alignment provides a unified framework for situating machine intelligence within physics itself.