Quantum theory and consciousness : an overview with selected examples
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review |
|---|---|
| Key findings | Argues that quantum-theoretic approaches to consciousness vary widely in their assumptions and methods, and each carries both strengths and weaknesses. |
Abstract
It is widely accepted that consciousness or, in other words, mental activity is in some way correlated to the behavior of the brain or, in other words, material brain activity. Since quantum theory is the most fundamental theory of matter that is currently available, it is a legitimate question to ask whether quantum theory can help us to understand consciousness. Several approaches answering this question affirmatively, proposed in recent decades, will be surveyed. It will be pointed out that they make different epistemological assumptions, refer to different neurophysiological levels of description, and adopt quantum theory in different ways. For each of the approaches discussed, these imply both problematic and promising features which will be indicated.