Quantum Mechanics and the Consciousness Constraint
Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics July 18, 2022 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780197501665.003.0006 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractWave function monism, a theory that fundamental physical reality is a complex-valued field in a high-dimensional space, cannot be true because its truth is inconsistent with the reality of consciousness. The argument builds on an analysis of the grounding relationship, showing that wave function monism fails to account for ordinary physical objects, and this failure entails a failure to account for consciousness. The argument does not assume either a materialist or an anti-materialist view of consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that wave function monism cannot be true because its truth is inconsistent with the reality of consciousness. |
Abstract
AbstractThis chapter argues that wave function monism – a popular theory of the ontology of quantum mechanics – cannot be true, on the grounds that its truth is inconsistent with the reality of consciousness. According to wave function monism, fundamental physical reality consists of a complex-valued field in a high-dimensional space. Building on a specific analysis of the grounding relationship, this chapter bolsters the challenge faced by wave function monism in accounting for ordinary physical objects, before arguing that its failure to account for ordinary physical objects entails a failure to account for consciousness. The argument does not assume either a materialist or an anti-materialist view of consciousness.