Non-Computability of Consciousness
arXiv.org May 11, 2007 preprint DOI: 10.14704/nq.2007.5.4.146 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that at least one phenomenon of consciousness, when modeled on a quantum computer, necessarily involves a non-computable element, so not all conscious activities are computational processes. The author further contends this non-computability is a quantum effect that does not occur in the classical case. |
Abstract
With the great success in simulating many intelligent behaviors using computing devices, there has been an ongoing debate whether all conscious activities are computational processes. In this paper, the answer to this question is shown to be no. A certain phenomenon of consciousness is demonstrated to be fully represented as a computational process using a quantum computer. Based on the computability criterion discussed with Turing machines, the model constructed is shown to necessarily involve a non-computable element. The concept that this is solely a quantum effect and does not work for a classical case is also discussed.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- How Can the Visual Quantum Information be Transferred to The Brain Intact, Collapsing There and Causing Consciousness? NeuroQuantology November 24, 2009
- What is consciousness and what it is for. An introduction to extended information theory. Frontiers in Psychology 2025
- Can artificial systems become conscious?—Recursive embodied closure as an integrative framework Frontiers in Psychology September 30, 2026