Consciousness Is Quantum State Reduction Which Creates the Flow of Time

The Penrose–Hameroff 'Orch OR' theory proposes that consciousness arises from discrete, irreversible quantum state reductions (objective reductions) occurring in microtubules within brain neurons. These self-collapses of the quantum wavefunction are orchestrated to regulate neuronal functions and produce sequences of 'NOW' moments of conscious experience. Connected to fundamental spacetime geometry, this process creates a flow of time by ratcheting forward in the fine-scale geometry of the universe. The theory suggests that time in physics—as a process or a dimension—and time as a conscious experience may all be consistent explanations.

Study at a glance

Abstract

In neuroscience, the flow of time is a conscious experience produced by the brain. But in physics, time is either a process, or a dimension in four-dimensional spacetime geometry. Could all three explanations be correct? The Penrose–Hameroff ‘Orch OR’ theory suggests consciousness is a sequence of discrete, irreversible quantum state reductions occurring at an objective threshold (‘objective reduction’, ‘OR’) a process in fundamental spacetime geometry. These ‘self-collapses’ of the quantum wavefunction are ‘orchestrated’ in microtubules inside brain neurons. Each Orch OR event selects microtubule states which purposefully regulate neuronal functions, and provide sequences of ‘NOW’ moments of conscious experience. Connected to fundamental spacetime geometry by Penrose ‘OR’, consciousness is quantum state reduction, a set of irreversible steps which ‘ratchet forward’ in the fine scale geometry of the universe, creating a flow of time.