From Quantum Biology Towards Quantum Consciousness
May 24, 2021 DOI: 10.1201/9780429440939-8 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review |
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| Key findings | The chapter argues that quantum methods are being extended into biology and consciousness studies, citing experimental and theoretical work on photosynthesis and bird navigation that underpins quantum biology, the use of quantum concepts in quantum metabolism to explain allometric scaling, and proposals such as the Orch OR hypothesis for a scientific basis of consciousness. It discusses the merits and possible extensions of these approaches. |
Abstract
This chapter presents a historical overview of the development and application of quantum physics methodology to various fields of science beyond physics, especially biology and consciousness. In recent years, individual biological phenomena such as photosynthesis and bird navigation have been experimentally and theoretically analysed using quantum methods, building conceptual foundations for quantum biology. Quantum concepts have also been employed to explain the allometric scaling laws of physiology (how processes scale with body size and with each other) by introducing quantum metabolism. Several proposals, especially the Orch OR hypothesis, have been put forth in an effort to introduce a scientific basis to the theory of consciousness. The merits and potential extensions of these approaches are discussed.