Neural Unpredictability, the Interpretation of Quantum Theory, and the Mind-Body Problem
arXiv Preprint Archive August 6, 2002 Matthew J. Donald
The paper examines two common interpretations of quantum theory: that quantum states represent states of knowledge and that quantum theory is merely a theory of correlations. It argues these views face serious problems regarding psycho-physical parallelism and defining probabilities for individual future observations based on past ones. The complexity is highlighted by the claim that unpredictability in ordinary neural functioning, stemming from small-scale molecular uncertainties, may vastly outweigh conventionally recognized sources of quantum uncertainty. After considering and rejecting several possible solutions, the author proposes that a complete understanding of the relationship between subjective experience and its physical correlates requires new mathematical definitions and new physical laws.