Is there a link between quantum mechanics and consciousness?

Barry K. Ward

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    3 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This essay examines the link (if any) between quantum mechanics and consciousness and the problem of interpretation. The ‘measurement problem’ that arises from the ‘Copenhagen Interpretation’ is discussed and alternative interpretations such as Everett’s ‘Parallel Worlds’, Bohm’s ‘Hidden Variables’ and the ‘Heisenberg-Dirac Propensity’ interpretations are examined. The role of consciousness in the ‘Parallel Worlds’ theory is examined in greater detail together with quantum theories of mind due to Stapp, Eccles, Hodgson and Penrose. The affect of ‘Interactive Decoherence’ on proposed theories of quantum dependant brain function is also discussed.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationBrain, mind and consciousness in the history of neuroscience
    EditorsC. U. M. Smith, H. Whitaker
    Place of PublicationNetherlands
    PublisherSpringer, Springer Nature
    Pages273-302
    Number of pages30
    ISBN (Print)9789401787734
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    EventWorkshop on The 'Hard Problem' in History at the ISHN-Cheiron Joint Conference - Banff, Canada
    Duration: 20 Jun 201120 Jun 2011

    Publication series

    NameHistory, Philosophy and Theory of the Life Sciences
    Volume6
    ISSN (Print)2211-1948
    ISSN (Electronic)2211-1956

    Conference

    ConferenceWorkshop on The 'Hard Problem' in History at the ISHN-Cheiron Joint Conference
    CityBanff, Canada
    Period20/06/1120/06/11

    Keywords

    • Human Consciousness
    • Quantum Mechanic
    • Quantum State
    • Quantum Theory
    • Wave Function

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