A consciousness-based quantum objective collapse model

An objective collapse model is proposed in which the collapse operator depends on integrated information, a proposed measure of consciousness. This scheme dynamically suppresses superpositions of conscious states, making it empirically adequate. Unlike earlier proposals where consciousness causes wave function collapse, this model is fully consistent with a materialistic view and does not require entities outside the quantum realm.

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Abstract

Ever since the early days of quantum mechanics it has been suggested that consciousness could be linked to the collapse of the wave function. However, no detailed account of such an interplay is usually provided. In this paper we present an objective collapse model (a variation of the Continuous Spontaneous Location model) where the collapse operator depends on integrated information, which has been argued to measure consciousness. By doing so, we construct an empirically adequate scheme in which superpositions of conscious states are dynamically suppressed. Unlike other proposals in which “consciousness causes the collapse of the wave function,” our model is fully consistent with a materialistic view of the world and does not require the postulation of entities suspicious of laying outside of the quantum realm.