Knowledge Tree
quantum theory
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Quantum Approaches to Consciousness plato.stanford.edu Nov 30, 2004 34 facts
perspectiveHenry Stapp has developed a perspective since the 1980s that attempts to relate specific features of consciousness to quantum theory by locating the interface between the observed and observing system within the observer's brain.
claimGeneralized quantum approaches exist that address psychological phenomena using formal features of quantum theory, such as non-commuting operations or non-Boolean logic, without utilizing the full framework of quantum mechanics or quantum field theory.
claimNon-commutativity of operations in quantum theory implies that the sequence in which operations are applied affects the final result.
claimRoger Penrose proposes that a valid formulation of quantum state reduction must describe an objective physical process he terms 'objective reduction', which is not currently contained within present-day quantum theory.
claimThe proposal by Roger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff is highly speculative, extends beyond the domain of present-day quantum theory, and lacks a clear path for formal development or empirical testing.
claimThe quantum theory concepts of complementarity and entanglement are frequently utilized in discussions regarding the nature of consciousness.
claimThe research group led by Diederik Aerts initiated the application of quantum theory to psychology and cognitive science in the early 1990s by using non-distributive propositional lattices to model quantum-like behavior in non-quantum systems.
claimWolfgang Pauli and Carl Jung proposed a dual-aspect approach that draws a parallel between the epistemic/ontic distinction in material reality (quantum theory) and the epistemic/ontic distinction in mental domains.
claimCarl Jung's concept of the collective unconscious consists of archetypes that are unseparated between individuals and constitute a psychophysically neutral level covering both the collective unconscious and the holistic reality of quantum theory.
referenceFamiliar models of neuronal assemblies, such as those reviewed by Anderson and Rosenfeld (1988), are mostly formulated without invoking well-defined elements of quantum theory, with the exception of the approach by Umezawa, Vitiello, and others.
referenceSome approaches to consciousness generalize quantum theory beyond quantum physics to apply concepts like complementarity and entanglement to both mental and material domains, conceiving the relationship between the two as dual aspects of one underlying reality.
claimQuantum theory introduced fundamental randomness into physics, which differs from the epistemic randomness (ignorance of detailed descriptions) found in classical statistical physics.
claimQuantum-theoretically inspired variations of dual-aspect theory have been proposed by Wolfgang Pauli and Carl Jung, and by David Bohm and Basil Hiley, based on speculations that exceed the scope of contemporary quantum theory.
claimHenry Stapp's quantum consciousness theory does not suggest modifications to present-day quantum theory, specifically remaining within the orthodox Hilbert space representation, but adds interpretational extensions regarding a detailed ontological framework.
referenceClifton, Bub, and Halvorson (2003) characterize quantum theory in terms of information-theoretic constraints in their paper 'Characterizing quantum theory in terms of information-theoretic constraints' published in Foundations of Physics.
referenceCaslav Brukner and Anton Zeilinger published 'Information and fundamental elements of the structure of quantum theory' in the book 'Time, Quantum and Information' in 2003.
referenceJerome R. Busemeyer, Emmanuel Pothos, R. Franco, and Jennifer S. Trueblood published 'A quantum theoretical explanation for probability judgment errors' in the journal Psychological Review in 2011.
claimAndrei Khrennikov initiated an approach to applying quantum theory to psychology and cognitive science in 1999 that focuses on non-classical probabilities.
claimThe generalization of quantum theory beyond quantum physics provides a formal framework that links to conventional quantum physics and describes psychological applications with detailed theoretical and empirical results.
referenceInformative overviews regarding the role of quantum theory in consciousness are provided by Squires (1990), Butterfield (1998), and Atmanspacher and Rotter (2008).
claimIn quantum theory, the transition of a quantum state to an eigenstate is known as the collapse or reduction of the wavefunction, which is distinct from the continuous, unitary, and reversible evolution of a system described by the Schrödinger equation.
claimThe original motivation in the early 20th century for relating quantum theory to consciousness was primarily philosophical, specifically regarding the compatibility of free will with a deterministic world.
claimQuantum physics pioneers including Max Planck, Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, and Wolfgang Pauli explored the potential role of quantum theory in resolving the conflict between physical determinism and conscious free will.
claimRoger Penrose proposes gravitation-induced objective state reduction by incorporating novel features into quantum theory rather than modifying general relativity.
claimHenry Stapp's approach suggests an expanded ontological basis for both the mental domain and status-quo quantum theory as a theory of matter without essentially changing the formalism of quantum theory, though it lacks empirical confirmation.
claimHarald Atmanspacher and colleagues outlined an algebraic framework with non-commuting operations in 2002 to apply quantum theory concepts to psychology and cognitive science.
claimQuantum theory is currently considered the most fundamental theory of matter available.
claimThe historical motivation for exploring quantum theory in consciousness studies stems from the realization that collapse-type quantum events introduce ontic randomness, which is primary rather than epistemic (due to ignorance).
claimThe act of measurement in quantum theory has been a subject of controversy for more than seven decades.
claimNiels Bohr believed that central conceptual features of quantum theory, such as complementarity, held significance beyond the domain of physics, an idea he encountered through psychologist Edgar Rubin and William James.
claimSome accounts of quantum theory in relation to consciousness use quantum terms like entanglement, superposition, collapse, and complementarity purely as metaphors without precise definitions or specific applications, which the author of the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on Quantum Approaches to Consciousness argues does not represent scientific progress.
claimRoger Penrose's theory of consciousness relies on future developments in quantum gravity to explain the physical process of quantum state reduction, rather than relying on current quantum theory.
claimRoger Penrose suggests that gravitational effects are ideal candidates for playing a role in quantum state reduction because gravitation is the only fundamental interaction not yet integrated into quantum theory.
referenceAbner Shimony authored the 1963 paper 'Role of the observer in quantum theory', published in the American Journal of Physics, volume 31, pages 755–773.
Quantum Approaches to Consciousness plato.stanford.edu Nov 30, 2004 19 facts
perspectiveHenry Stapp does not suggest formal modifications to present-day quantum theory, maintaining the orthodox Hilbert space representation, but adds interpretational extensions regarding an ontological framework.
claimNiels Bohr proposed that central conceptual features of quantum theory, specifically complementarity, hold significance outside the domain of physics.
claimThe approach to modeling neuronal assemblies developed by Umezawa, Vitiello, and others is an exception to standard models because it incorporates quantum theory.
claimKhrennikov (1999) developed an approach to applying quantum theory concepts to psychology and cognitive science that focuses on non-classical probabilities.
claimThe original motivation in the early 20th century for relating quantum theory to consciousness was essentially philosophical.
claimQuantum theory introduced an element of fundamental randomness into nature, which stands in contrast to the deterministic worldview that preceded it where randomness was merely an expression of ignorance regarding detailed descriptions.
referenceSchwartz, Stapp, and Beauregard proposed a neurophysical model of mind/brain interaction using quantum theory in their 2005 paper published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B.
claimVelmans (2002, 2009) suggested a move related to psychophysically neutral activity and mental causation, independent of quantum theory.
claimRoger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff developed a scenario claiming that quantum theory is effective for consciousness, specifically arguing that elementary acts of consciousness are non-algorithmic and neurophysiologically realized as gravitation-induced reductions of coherent superposition states in microtubuli.
claimArchetypes are regarded as a psychophysically neutral level that comprises both the collective unconscious and the holistic reality of quantum theory, acting as 'ordering factors' for manifestations in the domains of mind and matter.
claimIn quantum theory, the indeterminism of individual quantum events, such as spontaneous emission of light or radioactive decay, is a fundamental feature of nature that is independent of human knowledge or ignorance.
claimA third category of quantum consciousness research involves developments or generalizations of present-day quantum theory.
claimOne category of quantum consciousness research uses present-day quantum theory to describe neurophysiological or neuropsychological processes.
claimQuantum-inspired dual-aspect frameworks, such as those proposed by Pauli and Jung, and by Bohm and Hiley, are based on speculations that exceed the scope of contemporary quantum theory.
claimAtmanspacher et al. (2002) developed an approach to applying quantum theory concepts to psychology and cognitive science by outlining an algebraic framework that utilizes non-commuting operations.
claimHenry Stapp has developed a perspective on consciousness in relation to quantum theory since the 1980s, building on the work of von Neumann and Wigner.
claimMany accounts discussing quantum theory in relation to consciousness adopt basic ideas of quantum theory in a purely metaphorical manner.
referenceZ. Wang, J. Busemeyer, H. Atmanspacher, and E. Pothos published 'The potential of quantum theory to build models of cognition' in Topics in Cognitive Science in 2013.
claimThe quantum consciousness approach initiated by John von Neumann in the 1930s, developed by Eugene Wigner, and currently championed by Henry Stapp has the longest history among approaches using present-day quantum theory.
Quantum Approaches to Consciousness plato.stanford.edu Nov 30, 2004 8 facts
claimMost familiar models of neuronal assemblies do not invoke well-defined elements of quantum theory, with the notable exception of the approach proposed by Umezawa, Vitiello, and others.
claimCarl Jung’s depth psychology posits that the unconscious contains a collective component populated by archetypes, which constitute a psychophysically neutral reality where the collective unconscious and the holistic reality of quantum theory converge.
claimThe concepts of complementarity and entanglement from quantum theory are considered attractive features for discussing issues of consciousness.
claimThe quantum consciousness proposal by Roger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff extends beyond present-day quantum theory and has initiated empirical research into the function of anesthetics and the operation of microtubules.
claimWigner proposed a nonlinear modification to quantum theory to describe measurement as a real dynamical process generating irreversible facts, intending to replace von Neumann’s projection.
claimIn the Pauli-Jung conjecture, the physical epistemic domain consists of local realism derived from classical measuring instruments, while the physical ontic domain consists of the holistic realism of entangled systems, with the two domains connected by the process of measurement.
perspectiveRoger Penrose proposes that novel features must be incorporated into quantum theory to integrate gravitation, rather than modifying the existing theory of general relativity.
claimThe research group led by Aerts (Aerts et al. 1993) initiated the application of quantum theory to cognitive science in the early 1990s by using non-distributive propositional lattices to model quantum-like behavior in non-classical systems.
Consciousness-Induced Quantum State Reduction - Nova Spivack novaspivack.com Jun 2, 2025 4 facts
referenceJohn A. Wheeler and Wojciech H. Zurek edited the 1983 book 'Quantum Theory and Measurement', published by Princeton University Press, which compiles key texts on quantum theory and measurement.
referenceJohn A. Wheeler's 1990 chapter 'Information, physics, quantum: The search for links' in the book 'Complexity, Entropy and the Physics of Information' (edited by W. H. Zurek) explores the connections between information, physics, and quantum theory.
claimEmpirical validation of Nova Spivack's theory would support the Consciousness Field Theory and necessitate a re-evaluation of the role of the observer in quantum theory.
referenceD. Bohm (1952) authored 'A Suggested Interpretation of the Quantum Theory in Terms of “Hidden” Variables. I & II' in Physical Review, 85(2), 166–193.
Dualism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy/Winter 2016 Edition) plato.stanford.edu Aug 19, 2003 2 facts
claimIf physical laws are indeterministic, as quantum theory suggests, it might be possible for mental interference to produce a result with a probability greater than zero, thereby maintaining consistency with physical laws while allowing for interaction.
claimRobins Collins (2011) claims that the appeal to energy conservation by opponents of interactionism is a red herring because conservation principles are not ubiquitous in physics, noting that energy is not conserved in general relativity, quantum theory, or the universe as a whole.
The Hard Problem of Consciousness | Springer Nature Link link.springer.com 2 facts
claimRelativity theory and quantum theory are irreconcilable, preventing the formation of a unified theory of the physical universe.
referenceNikolaus von Stillfried's 2018 habilitation thesis provides an in-depth comparative analysis of the discourse surrounding the hard problem of consciousness and quantum-theoretically informed attempts to develop a natural theory of mind and matter.
Understanding LLM Understanding skywritingspress.ca Jun 14, 2024 1 fact
claimHolger Lyre has conducted research on the foundations of quantum theory, gauge symmetries, structural realism, semantic externalism, the extended mind, reductionism, and structural models of the mind.
[PDF] Quantum approaches to consciousness www-physics.lbl.gov 1 fact
claimQuantum approaches to consciousness are sometimes said to be motivated simply by the idea that quantum theory is a mystery.
Quantum Theory of Consciousness - Scirp.org. scirp.org 1 fact
referenceHenry Stapp, Jeffrey M. Schwartz, and Mario Beauregard published 'Quantum Theory in Neuroscience and Psychology: A Neurophysical Model of Mind-Brain Interaction' in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London in 2005.
Hard Problem of Consciousness | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy iep.utm.edu 1 fact
claimSome interpretations of quantum theory posit that the concept of 'observation' requires consciousness to be treated as an unreduced primitive, rather than something characterized by the relational terms of physical theory.
Quantum Models of Consciousness from a Quantum Information ... arxiv.org Dec 20, 2024 1 fact
referenceT. Görnitz authored the paper 'Quantum theory and the nature of consciousness,' published in Foundations of Science, volume 23, in 2018.
[PDF] QUANTUM MECHANICAL THEORIES OF CONSCIOUSNESS www-physics.lbl.gov 1 fact
perspectiveSome non-physicists argue that quantum theory is limited to microscopic atomic-level processes, contrasting this with the association of consciousness with macroscopic phenomena.
(PDF) Quantum Mechanics and Consciousness - Academia.edu academia.edu 1 fact
claimSome theorists suggest that quantum theory can help explain the mind-body relation and potentially solve the hard problem of consciousness by utilizing a panpsychist framework.
Unknown source 1 fact
claimNiels Bohr suggested that quantum theory could be relevant to understanding biological systems and the mind.