Is there a link between quantum mechanics and consciousness?

Barry K. Ward

doi:10.1007/978-94-017-8774-1_15

Is there a link between quantum mechanics and consciousness?

Barry K. Ward

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

2 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 language	English
Title of host publication	Brain, mind and consciousness in the history of neuroscience
Editors	C. U. M. Smith, H. Whitaker
Place of Publication	Netherlands
Publisher	Springer, Springer Nature
Pages	273-302
Number of pages	30
ISBN (Print)	9789401787734
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8774-1_15
Publication status	Published - 2014
Event	Workshop on The 'Hard Problem' in History at the ISHN-Cheiron Joint Conference - Banff, Canada Duration: 20 Jun 2011 → 20 Jun 2011

Publication series

Name	History, Philosophy and Theory of the Life Sciences
Volume	6
ISSN (Print)	2211-1948
ISSN (Electronic)	2211-1956

Conference

Conference	Workshop on The 'Hard Problem' in History at the ISHN-Cheiron Joint Conference
City	Banff, Canada
Period	20/06/11 → 20/06/11

Keywords

Human Consciousness
Quantum Mechanic
Quantum State
Quantum Theory
Wave Function

Access to Document

10.1007/978-94-017-8774-1_15

Link to publication in Scopus

Fingerprint Dive into the research topics of 'Is there a link between quantum mechanics and consciousness?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this

@inbook{80b1e15764ae462b8e36c2c62ebe2f5e,

title = "Is there a link between quantum mechanics and consciousness?",

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.",

keywords = "Human Consciousness, Quantum Mechanic, Quantum State, Quantum Theory, Wave Function",

author = "Ward, {Barry K.}",

year = "2014",

doi = "10.1007/978-94-017-8774-1_15",

language = "English",

isbn = "9789401787734",

series = "History, Philosophy and Theory of the Life Sciences",

publisher = "Springer, Springer Nature",

pages = "273--302",

editor = "Smith, {C. U. M.} and H. Whitaker",

booktitle = "Brain, mind and consciousness in the history of neuroscience",

address = "United States",

}

Ward, BK 2014, Is there a link between quantum mechanics and consciousness? in CUM Smith & H Whitaker (eds), Brain, mind and consciousness in the history of neuroscience. History, Philosophy and Theory of the Life Sciences, vol. 6, Springer, Springer Nature, Netherlands, pp. 273-302, Workshop on The 'Hard Problem' in History at the ISHN-Cheiron Joint Conference, Banff, Canada, 20/06/11. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8774-1_15