Quantum walks in brain microtubules--a biomolecular basis for quantum cognition?
Topics in Cognitive Science January 1, 2014 DOI: 10.1111/tops.12068 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractCognitive decisions are best described by quantum mathematics, and this paper argues that quantum information devices may operate in the brain. It describes how quantum lattice registers, in which superpositioned pathways interact through 'quantum walks' similar to Feynman's path integral in a lattice (the 'Feynman quantum chessboard'), can reduce or collapse to select a particular pathway in a cognitive decision. The paper shows that these quantum walks are conceptually identical to 'topological qubits' in brain neuronal microtubules, as described in the Penrose-Hameroff 'Orch OR' theory of consciousness.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Agency Consciousness Dendritic integration Microtubules Orch or |
| Key finding | Argues that quantum walks in a Feynman chessboard are conceptually identical to topological qubits in brain neuronal microtubules as described in the Penrose-Hameroff 'Orch OR' theory of consciousness. |
Abstract
Cognitive decisions are best described by quantum mathematics. Do quantum information devices operate in the brain? What would they look like? Fuss and Navarro () describe quantum lattice registers in which quantum superpositioned pathways interact (compute/integrate) as 'quantum walks' akin to Feynman's path integral in a lattice (e.g. the 'Feynman quantum chessboard'). Simultaneous alternate pathways eventually reduce (collapse), selecting one particular pathway in a cognitive decision, or choice. This paper describes how quantum walks in a Feynman chessboard are conceptually identical to 'topological qubits' in brain neuronal microtubules, as described in the Penrose-Hameroff 'Orch OR' theory of consciousness.