[Paper Review] What are quantum theorists doing at a conference on consciousness?

Euan J. Squires|ArXiv.org|Feb 9, 1996

Quantum Mechanics and Applications10 references3 citations

TL;DR

This paper argues that orthodox quantum mechanics inherently requires consciousness to collapse the wave function and select a unique realized world, proposing that consciousness acts non-locally and outside physical laws yet influences observable reality. It defends this view by analyzing the Born rule's derivation and favoring a consciousness-based selection mechanism over alternative interpretations.

ABSTRACT

The reason why orthodox quantum theory necessarily invokes consciousness is explained. Several procedures whereby the Born probability rule can be introduced are discussed, and reasons are given for prefering one in which consciousness selects a unique realised world. Consciousness is something outside of the laws of physics (quantum mechanics), but it has a real effect upon the experienced world. Finally, orthodox quantum theory is shown to require that consciousness acts non-locally.

Motivation & Objective

• To explain why orthodox quantum theory necessitates the role of consciousness in wave function collapse.
• To examine various derivations of the Born probability rule and justify one that incorporates consciousness as the selecting agent.
• To demonstrate that consciousness, though outside physical laws, has a real effect on the experienced world.
• To show that consciousness must act non-locally according to quantum theory.
• To defend the view that consciousness is not merely epistemic but ontologically fundamental in quantum mechanics.

Proposed method

• Analyzes multiple approaches to deriving the Born rule within standard quantum mechanics.
• Favors a specific derivation in which consciousness selects a unique realized world from the superposition.
• Argues that since quantum mechanics does not specify which outcome occurs, consciousness must be the mechanism for selection.
• Uses the non-locality of quantum entanglement to show that consciousness must also act non-locally.
• Maintains that consciousness is not part of the dynamical laws of physics but still affects physical outcomes.
• Applies the framework of the von Neumann measurement process to argue for the necessity of consciousness in state reduction.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Why does orthodox quantum mechanics require consciousness to select a unique outcome from a superposition?
• RQ2 How can the Born probability rule be derived in a way that incorporates consciousness as the selection mechanism?
• RQ3 What is the role of consciousness in the measurement process if it is not governed by physical laws?
• RQ4 How does the non-locality of quantum mechanics constrain the nature of consciousness in this interpretation?
• RQ5 What distinguishes this consciousness-based interpretation from other interpretations of quantum mechanics?

Key findings

• The paper concludes that consciousness is necessary to select a unique realized world from the quantum superposition, as no physical mechanism within standard quantum theory can do so.
• It identifies a specific derivation of the Born rule that treats consciousness as the agent responsible for the actualization of one outcome.
• The paper argues that consciousness acts non-locally, consistent with quantum entanglement and Bell's theorem.
• It maintains that although consciousness lies outside the laws of physics, it has a real, physical effect on the experienced world.
• The analysis shows that alternative derivations of the Born rule fail to account for the uniqueness of observed outcomes without invoking consciousness.
• The paper asserts that this view is consistent with the standard formalism of quantum mechanics, particularly the von Neumann measurement process.