The natural history of consciousness, and the question of whether plants are conscious, in relation to the Hameroff-Penrose quantum-physical 'Orch OR' theory of universal consciousness.

The paper examines the natural history of consciousness and the question of plant consciousness through the lens of the Hameroff-Penrose 'Orch OR' theory, which posits a quantum-physical basis for consciousness as a fundamental feature of the universe. It explores whether plants might possess a form of consciousness consistent with this theory, considering evidence from plant behavior and quantum biology. The argument suggests that if consciousness is a universal property arising from quantum processes, plants could be candidates for minimal conscious experience, though the authors do not claim definitive proof.

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Abstract

The natural history of consciousness, and the question of whether plants are conscious, in relation to the Hameroff-Penrose quantum-physical 'Orch OR' theory of universal consciousness.