The 'hard problem' and the quantum physicists. Part 2: Modern times.
C U M Smith
Brain and Cognition November 2009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2007.09.004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Key findings | The author argues that the quantum-physics approaches of Eccles/Beck, Stapp, and Hameroff/Penrose lack neurobiological plausibility, while David Bohm's proposal is different in kind: Bohm calls for a radical rethink of the conventional scientific paradigm, suggesting a 'pan-experientialism' or 'dual-aspect monism' in which consciousness goes 'all the way down' and the 'hard problem' cannot be solved within classical natural science. |
Abstract
This is the second part of a review of the work of quantum physicists on the 'hard part' of the problem of mind. After an introduction which sets the scene and a brief review of contemporary work on the neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) the work of four prominent modern investigators is examined: J.C. Eccles/Friedrich Beck; Henry Stapp; Stuart Hameroff/Roger Penrose; David Bohm. With the exception of David Bohm, all attempt to show where in the brain's microstructure quantum affects could make themselves felt. It is reluctantly concluded that none have neurobiological plausibility. They are all instances, to paraphrase T.H. Huxley, of a beautiful hypothesis destroyed by ugly facts. David Bohm does not attempt to fit his new quantum physics to contemporary neurobiology but instead asks for a radical rethink of our conventional scientific paradigm. He suggests that we should look towards developing a 'pan-experientialism' or 'dual-aspect monism' where consciousness goes 'all the way down' and that the 'hard problem' is not soluble within the framework of ideas provided by 'classical' natural science.
Comparable studies
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|---|---|---|---|
| Body Consciousness: A Philosophy of Mindfulness and Somaesthetics | 2008 | Review article | |
| Phenomenology, Structure, and Dynamic of Psychedelic States | 2016 | Review | |
| Classic Hallucinogens and Mystical Experiences: Phenomenology and Neural Correlates. | 2018 | Review | |
| The lived experience of psychosis: a bottom-up review co-written by experts by experience and academics. Individuals with lived experience of psychosis, family members, and carers | 2022 | Co-written bottom-up review | |
| From autopoiesis to neurophenomenology: Francisco Varela's exploration of the biophysics of being. | 2003 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Consciousness and Hallucinations: Molecular Considerations and Theoretical Questions NeuroQuantology March 4, 2011
- Synapses, Quantum Theory and Panpsychism NeuroQuantology June 4, 2008
- Anomalous entropic effects in physical systems associated with collective consciousness Physics Essays March 27, 2023
- From quantum chemistry to quantum biology: a path toward consciousness. Journal of Integrative Neuroscience December 30, 2020
- On the Science of Consciousness: Epistemological Reflections and Clinical Implications. Explore 2017
and 3 more in the library
Cites 8
- Realistic Monism: Why Physicalism Entails Panpsychism Oxford University Press eBooks May 29, 2008
- Quantum computation in brain microtubules? The Penrose–Hameroff ‘Orch OR‘ model of consciousness Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences August 15, 1998
- CAN QUANTUM PROCESSES CONTROL SYNAPTIC EMISSION? International Journal of Neural Systems September 1, 1996
- Quantum physics in neuroscience and psychology: a neurophysical model of mind-brain interaction. Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences June 1, 2005
- On the correlation between synchronized oscillatory activities and consciousness. Consciousness and Cognition December 1, 2001
and 3 more in the library