Consciousness, Quantum Mechanics, and the Limits of Scientific Objectivism
John B. Debrota, Christian List
PhilPapers (PhilPapers Foundation) April 14, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2604.14234 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Objectivism Consciousness Metaphysics Quantum Formalism music Measurement problem Epistemology Theoretical physics |
| Key points | Argues that both consciousness and quantum mechanics, under certain assumptions, are in tension with the classical objectivist worldview comprising non-relationalism, non-fragmentation, and one world, and outlines three non-objectivist responses. |
Abstract
Consciousness and quantum mechanics are among the most puzzling phenomena studied in the sciences. Some scholars suggest they are related, though others think this claim commits a "minimization of mystery" fallacy. The aim of this programmatic paper is to draw attention to a less widely discussed parallel between consciousness and quantum mechanics: both challenge the classical objectivist worldview of science. Under certain assumptions, they are each in tension with a package of metaphysical theses -- "non-relationalism", "non-fragmentation", and "one world" -- that jointly make up that worldview. This points to three distinct non-objectivist responses: the "relationalist", "fragmentalist", and "many-subjective-worlds" ones. We will map out their pros and cons.