Foundations of Quantum Approaches to Consciousness

Quantum mechanics offers features like non-locality and indeterminacy that align with properties of consciousness, such as unity and irreducibility, which classical physics cannot accommodate. Four contemporary quantum approaches to consciousness are examined: the Eccles-Beck, Stapp, Penrose-Hameroff, and Avicenna-Bohm theories, each rooted in distinct metaphysical principles. The article argues that all scientific theories depend on the worldview of their proponents. It concludes by discussing Top-Down Causation as a promising philosophical framework for understanding the mind-brain relation and quantum consciousness.

Study at a glance

Abstract

As generally accepted, consciousness or mind and material brain are closely related to each other; but how? Quantum mechanics is a new pathway to understand the hard problem of consciousness and its relation to the brain. Consciousness has specific properties such as unity, irreducibility, non-locality, etc. The completely different features of classical physics (locality, reducibility, determinacy, etc.) hindered the success of scientists to study consciousness. But quantum mechanics with its features (non-locality, irreducibility, indeterminacy, etc.) gave scientists hope to study consciousness. Several quantum approaches to consciousness have been proposed in recent decades; the most important point about these approaches is that each one has used its own philosophy to determine its viewpoint about the mind’s nature and even its quantum approach. In general, all scientific theories are based on some metaphysical principles which come from the worldview of scientists. In this article four contemporary approaches are discussed: The Eccles-Beck, Stapp, Penrose-Hameroff, and Avicenna-Bohm theories; philosophical and scientific points are highlighted for each of them. Finally, the theory of Top-Down Causation is discussed because we think it can provide a fertile philosophical ground for theories of “mind-brain relation” and “quantum consciousness”.