Title: Quantum State Collapse and the Emergence of Subjective Experience
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) September 2, 2026 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22250529 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that quantum state collapse, interpreted through quantum information theory, may be linked to the subjective experience of consciousness, and proposes a computational model to simulate this collapse and analyze its correlation with reported experiences. |
Abstract
Quantum state collapse, a cornerstone of quantum mechanics, has long been considered a bizarre phenomenon with limited explanatory power regarding consciousness. However, recent theoretical developments, particularly within the framework of quantum information theory, suggest a potentially profound connection between the collapse of quantum states and the subjective experience of consciousness. This paper explores this intriguing link, proposing a computational model to simulate the collapse and analyze its correlation with reported subjective experiences. We argue that the observed changes in a system's internal state may provide a window into the emergence of the 'what it is like' aspect of consciousness, potentially offering a novel approach to understanding this fundamental mystery. This work undertakes a comprehensive examination of the theoretical implications of quantum mechanics and their relevance to the study of subjective experience, aiming to bridge the gap between the physical and the phenomenal.