Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics

Published on 7 December 2022 at 01:31

An interesting book below that explores the hypothetical speculations regarding the two topics combined. Even though I am of course sceptical when it comes to topics such as quantum mind, or even further down the line, the much less plausible multiverse theory or string theory, it can always be interesting to read about. In addition, one day those ideas may get more ground in (experimental) research. Until then, topics such as consciousness are mainly discussed within the neurosciences and quantum mechanics within physics. The great thing about science is that there always exists a free exchange of ideas and scientists are actually pretty open-minded.

The following question could be asked: what makes a theory reliable and when does it distance itself from pseudoscience? On one end of the spectrum we have New Age spiritual guru Deepak Chopra, who discussed quantum consciousness in a very confusing, popular and obscurantist way. Contrarily, on the other end we have distinguished physicists such as Lee Smolin and Roger Penrose (although I am not a particular fan of them) discussing the same topic, but in a more clear, (hopefully) testable and sophisticated way. If, eventually, it turns out that certain theories do not work, we must be honest, accept the invalidity, and get over it. Below a video by theoretical physicist Sabine Hossenfelder, who (i.m.o. rightly) criticises the above mentioned theory.

Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics

Edited by Shan Gao (Research Center for Philosophy of Science and Technology)


Publisher: Oxford University Press


Authors included:

Stuart Hameroff, anesthesiologist
Lucien Hardy, theoretical physicist
William Seager, philosopher
Lee Smolin, theoretical physicist
Roger Penrose, mathematical physicist
Basil J. Hiley, quantum physicist

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/consciousness-and-quantum-mechanics-9780197501665?cc=nl&lang=en&fbclid=IwAR3dgVAgjqYQnZYleOYSsu1iUvq-ZyYint52uijrm5y09-3MCvT13MsSBig

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Further reading/watching:

Sabine Hossenfelder - Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics: How are they related?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1wqUCATYUA&t=219s

 

 

 

 

 

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