Biological feasibility of quantum approaches to consciousness
Advances in Consciousness Research April 12, 2001 DOI: 10.1075/aicr.29.02ham (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes that the Penrose-Hameroff 'Orch OR' model, involving quantum processes in microtubules, may explain features of consciousness, and discusses possible biological mechanisms to avoid decoherence. |
Abstract
Quantum approaches have enormous explanatory power for understanding enigmatic features of consciousness. The Penrose-Hameroff ‘Orch OR’ model involves quantum superposition/computation in microtubules within the brain’s neurons. As technological quantum processes require extreme cold and isolation to avoid thermal decoherence, conventional wisdom holds against biological quantum processes in the apparently “warm, wet and noisy” brain. Methods which biological systems may have evolved to avoid decoherence are discussed.