From Quantum Theory To Mind-Matter Interaction: Where's The Missing Link?
June 2, 2022 preprint DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/xe7yu (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Argues that consciousness may be fundamentally linked to properties of physical systems, citing quantum coherence in biological molecules and entangled states of macroscopic objects such as brains as supporting examples. Proposes that explaining biological function via quantum effects would require additional postulates on quantum interactions in condensed-phase systems, and that whether classical and quantum mechanics can be integrated remains an open challenge for addressing mind-body phenomena. |
Abstract
Overwhelming empirical evidence suggests that consciousness may be fundamentally linked to properties of physical systems. Quantum coherence in biological molecules, as well as entangled states of macroscopic objects such as brains, are important examples that support this notion. If we consider the quantum effects that seem most relevant to biology (e.g., coherence, entanglement, superposition), does it become feasible to identify general rules for observing biological function arising from processes associated with quantum mechanics? What implications would follow if a scientific theory were formulated to describe the interplay between brain functioning and quantum uncertainty? Such a framework will require additional postulates on the nature of quantum interactions in condensed phase systems. One challenge for present day theorists is whether and how classical and quantum mechanics may ultimately provide an integrated description of physics. This article will explore the issues related to quantum theory's ability to address mind-body phenomena and their connection to consciousness.