Was David Bohm a Panpsychist?
A. Oldofredi
Journal of Consciousness Studies June 1, 2025 DOI: 10.53765/20512201.32.5.130 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the widespread characterization of David Bohm as a panpsychist is inaccurate: although Bohm described elementary quantum particles as having a rudimentary mind-like quality, panpsychism is not sufficient to faithfully represent his views on the relation between mind and matter. |
Abstract
Many scholars and commentators claim that David Bohm was a panpsychist, for he stated that even elementary quantum particles exhibit a sort of rudimentary or primitive mind-like quality. Analysing in detail both Bohm’s pilot-wave theory and his works concerning the relation between mind and matter, this paper investigates whether it is accurate to consider Bohm a supporter of such a view. By putting some pressure and casting doubts on this generally accepted belief, I offer a new interpretation of Bohm’s views suggesting that panpsychism is not sufficient to faithfully represent his perspective about the link between the mental and physical sides of reality.