Thanks for asking.
My research has located the following sources which discuss Quantum
Consciousness theories. All sources are recent (post Bell). I have
organized the resources into Academic, Professional Journal, and
Internet Publication categories. In a number of cases, I have included
short excerpts from source, so that you may judge its complexity.
Quantum Consciousness - Academic Sources
======================================================================
Quantum Collapse, Consciousness and Superluminal Communication
--------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract: "The relation between quantum collapse, consciousness and
superluminal communication is analyzed. As we know, quantum collapse,
if exists, can result in the appearance of quantum nonlocality, and
requires the existence of a preferred Lorentz frame. This may permit
the realization of quantum superluminal communication (QSC), which
will no longer result in the usual causal loop in case of the
existence of a preferred Lorentz frame. The possibility of the
existence of QSC is further analyzed under the assumption that quantum
collapse is a real process. We demonstrate that the combination of
quantum collapse and the consciousness of the observer will permit the
observer to distinguish nonorthogonal states in principle. This
provides a possible way to realize QSC. Some implications of the
existence of QSC are briefy discussed."
Quantum collapse, consciousness and superluminal communication
Gao, Shan (2004)
University of Pittsburg
http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/archive/00001643/
Causal Determinism
------------------
"Causal determinism is, roughly speaking, the idea that every event is
necessitated by antecedent events and conditions together with the
laws of nature. The idea is ancient, but first became subject to
clarification and mathematical analysis in the eighteenth century.
Determinism is deeply connected with our understanding of the physical
sciences and their explanatory ambitions, on the one hand, and with
our views about human free action on the other. In both of these
general areas there is no agreement over whether determinism is true
(or even whether it can be known true or false), and what the import
for human agency would be in either case. "
Causal Determinism, by Carl Hoefer, 2003
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/determinism-causal/
Causation as Folk Science (Rebuttal)
------------------------------------
Abstract: I deny that the world is fundamentally causal, deriving the
skepticism on non-Humean grounds from our enduring failures to find a
contingent, universal principle of causality that holds true of our
science. I explain the prevalence and fertility of causal notions in
science by arguing that a causal character for many sciences can be
recovered, when they are restricted to appropriately hospitable
domains. There they conform to a loose collection of causal notions
that form a folk science of causation. This recovery of causation
exploits the same generative power of reduction relations that allows
us to recover gravity as a force from Einstein's general relativity
and heat as a conserved fluid, the caloric, from modern thermal
physics, when each theory is restricted to appropriate domains. Causes
are real in science to the same degree as caloric and gravitational
forces.
Causation as Folk Science, Norton, John D.
University of Pittsburg
http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/archive/00001214/
EPR-like ``funny business'' in the theory of branching space-times
------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract: "EPR-like phenomena are (presumably) indeterministic, but
they furthermore suggest that our world involves seeming-strange
``funny business.'' Without invoking any heavy mathematics, the theory
of branching space-times offers two apparently quite different ways in
which EPR-like funny business goes beyond simple indeterminism. (1)
The first is a modal version of a Bell-like correlation: There exist
two space-like separated indeterministic initial events whose families
of outcomes are nevertheless modally correlated. That is, although the
occurrence of each outcome of each of the two space-like separated
initial events is separately possible, some joint occurrence of their
outcomes (one from each) is impossible. (2) The second sounds like
superluminal causation: A certain initial event can bear a cause-like
relation to a certain without being in the causal past of that
outcome. The two accounts of EPR-like funny business are proved
equivalent, a result that supports the claim of each as useful to mark
the line between mere indeterminism and EPR-like funny business.
EPR-like ``funny business'' in the theory of branching space-times
Belnap, Nuel (2002)
http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/archive/00000784/
The Complex Link Between Neuroanatomy and Consciousness
-------------------------------------------------------
Abstract: "Abstract: This essay is a commentary on Edelman and
Tononi's A Universe of Consciousness ? How Matter Becomes Imagination,
a scientific book on the mind-body relationship. The underlying theme
of the book is that consciousness is a process emerging from highly
integrated and distributed activity in the thalamocortical system in
the brain (the ?dynamic core?). The authors use this hypothesis to
explain several fundamental characteristics of consciousness in terms
of an interesting definition of neural complexity. A Universe of
Consciousness presents a theory well-grounded in neuroanatomy, and
succeeds in connecting neurobiological knowledge with subjective
experience. The result is a convincing story that unfolds from an
accurate description of the physical and biological processes in the
nervous system (the first two thirds of the book) to an intriguing
explanation of qualia, the private, qualitative, and subjective
aspects of consciousness. After reviewing the book, we comment on
specific scientific and philosophical aspects of Edelman and Tononi's
approach. Particularly, we discuss whether the implications of the
?dynamic core? hypothesis involve the establishment of new physical
laws or can be reduced to presently accepted scientific theories. In
addition, we explore the consequences of establishing the primacy of
neuroanatomy in the study of consciousness with a thought experiment
on qualia."
The Complex Link Between Neuroanatomy and Consciousness
By Giorgio A. Ascoli
Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study and Department of Psychology
George Mason University
http://www.krasnow.gmu.edu/ascoli/universe.html
Interneuronal Macroscopic Quantum Coherence in the Brain Cortex!
----------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract: "There are many blank areas in understanding the brain
dynamics and especially how it gives rise to consciousness. Quantum
mechanics is believed to be capable of explaining the enigma of
conscious experience, however till now there is not good enough model
considering both the data from clinical neurology and having some
explanatory power! In this paper is presented a novel model in defense
of macroscopic quantum events within and between natural cells."
Interneuronal Quantum Coherence
Danko Dimchev Georgiev,(2003)
Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria
http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/archive/00001355/
Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics: The Connection and Analogies
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract: "Consciousness and the measurement problem of quantum
mechanics have a logical connection and an historical involvement.
Moreover, current issues in the two arenas have striking similarities.
Whether or not consciousness warrants quantum mechanical
consideration, analogies between quantum measurement and consciousness
are tantalizing and suggestive. After a review of how the issue of
consciousness arises in quantum mechanics (but not in classical
physics), and after a brief discussion of the implications of the
measurement problem for reductionism, we develop a series of analogies
between consciousness and quantum mechanics. We conclude that any
substantial advance in one arena would at the least offer hints for
routes to take in the other."
Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics: The Connection and Analogies
Bruce Rosenblum, University of California, Santa Cruz
Fred Kuttner, Northwestern Polytechnic University
The Journal of Mind and Behavior, Summer 1999, Vol. 20, No. 3, Pages
229-256, ISSN 0271-0137
Requests for reprints should be sent to Bruce Rosenblum, Ph.D.,
Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Cruz,
California 95064
Professional Journal Articles and Abstracts
======================================================================
Journal of Consciousness Studies
================================
Does Consciousness Cause Behaviour?, Pockett S.[1]
[1] Department of Physics, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019,
Auckland, New Zealand., Email: s.pockett@auckland.ac.nz
Abstract:
The prevailing folk-psychology of modern Western humans holds that (1)
an individual person or self can be identified with that individual?s
consciousness and thus that (2) consciousness can cause behaviour. In
this paper I assemble a body of experimental and philosophical
evidence suggesting that both of these beliefs might be mistaken. I
discuss some of the practical and philosophical implications of the
idea that consciousness does not in fact cause behaviour and conclude
that it is not only a serious academic possibility but also an
(almost) intuitively acceptable idea that consciousness may be
epiphenomenal.
Ingenta Article Summary
http://www.ingenta.com/journals/browse/imp/jcs
This resource requires session ID's, so I cannot post a direct,
clickable URL. You'll need to navigate from the Journal Archive main
page listed above to the article "Does Consciousness Cause Behaviour?"
in 2004, Volume 11, Issue 2.
Explaining Consciousness - The Hard Problem
-------------------------------------------
A special multi-part issue of the Journal of Consciousness Studies was
devoted to explanations of "The Hard Problem". These lists offer Table
of Contents of the special issues, with abstracts, and in a few cases
links to the full text.
Journal of Consciousness - Explaining Consciousness
http://www.imprint.co.uk/hardprob.html
http://www.imprint.co.uk/jcs_3_4.html
http://www.imprint.co.uk/jcs_3_3.html
http://www.imprint.co.uk/jcs_3_5-6.html
http://www.imprint.co.uk/jcs_4_1.html
Full Text of Selected Articles
http://www.imprint.co.uk/jcs.html#fulltext
Integral Theory of Consciousness
--------------------------------
"Abstract: An extensive data search among various types of
developmental and evolutionary sequences yielded a `four quadrant'
model of consciousness and its development (the four quadrants being
intentional, behavioural, cultural, and social). Each of these
dimensions was found to unfold in a sequence of at least a dozen major
stages or levels. Combining the four quadrants with the dozen or so
major levels in each quadrant yields an integral theory of
consciousness that is quite comprehensive in its nature and scope.
This model is used to indicate how a general synthesis and integration
of twelve of the most influential schools of consciousness studies can
be effected, and to highlight some of the most significant areas of
future research. The conclusion is that an `all-quadrant, all-level'
approach is the minimum degree of sophistication that we need into
order to secure anything resembling a genuinely integral theory of
consciousness."
AN INTEGRAL THEORY OF CONSCIOUSNESS, by Ken Wilber
Journal of Consciousness Studies, 4 (1), February 1997, pp. 71-92
http://www.imprint.co.uk/Wilber.htm
Space, Time and Consciousness
-----------------------------
Abstract: "This paper describes a new theory of consciousness based on
previous work by C.D. Broad, H.H. Price, Andrei Linde and others. This
hypothesis states that the Universe consists of three fundamental
entities ? space-time, matter and consciousness, each with their own
degrees of freedom. The paper pays particular attention to three areas
that impact on this theory: (1) the demonstration by neuroscience and
psychophysics that we do not perceive the world as it actually is but
as the brain computes it most probably to be; (2) the need to
delineate between phenomenal space-time and physical space-time.
Recent theories in physics that suggest that the Universe has more
than three spatial dimensions are relevant here; (3) the role of
consciousness in the block Universe described by Special Relativity.
The integration of these topics suggests a new physical theory
of the nature of consciousness."
John Smythies, Space, Time and Consciousness (Vol.10, No.3)
Adoble PDF format, requires Acrobat Reader
http://www.imprint.co.uk/pdf/smythies.pdf
Complexity Theory, Quantum Mechanics/Radically Free Self Determination
======================================================================
It has been claimed that quantum mechanics, unlike classical
mechanics, allows for free will. In this paper I articulate that claim
and explain how a complex physical system possessing fractal-like self
similarity could exhibit both self consciousness and self
determination. I use complexity theory to show how quantum mechanical
indeterminacies at the neural level (as postulated by Eccles and
Penrose) could ?percolate up? to the levels of scale within the brain
at which sensory-motor information transformations occur. Finally, I
explain how macro level indeterminacy could be coupled with self
determination to provide a physical system with the capacity for
radically free willing.
Complexity Theory, Quantum Mechanics and Radically Free Self
Determination, by Mark Stephen Pestana, Grand Valley State University
The Journal of Mind and Behavior, Autumn 2001, Volume 22, Number 4,
Pages 365?388, ISSN 0271?0137
http://kramer.ume.maine.edu/~jmb/archives/volume22/22_4_2001autumn.html#abstract2
Requests for reprints should be sent to Mark Pestana, Department of
Philosophy, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan 49401.
Email: pestanam@gvsu.edu.
Internet Publications
======================================================================
Most of these references are substantially less complex, or explain
and discuss Quantum Consciousness theories at general reference level.
A Pure Consciousness Model of the Universe
------------------------------------------
"Whether there exists some reality, independent of man, that is
responsible for the regularities observable in the universe, and if
there is such an independent reality, what is its nature, are
questions that have occupied philosophers, theologians, and scientists
throughout history. In particular, whether such a reality can be found
in the physical universe has seemed more and more to require a
negative answer, as relativity, quantum theory, and the violation of
Bell's inequalities, all verified by experiment, have made it
difficult to defend any concept of an independent physical reality."
A Pure-Consciousness Model of the Universe
By Richard P. Dolan, 2002
http://home.earthlink.net/~dolascetta/MetaFrameSet.html
The Quantum Brain: Theory or Myth?
----------------------------------
"The study of neurobiology has long involved the actions and
interactions among neurons and their synapses. Changes in
concentrations of various ions carry impulses to and from the central
nervous system and are responsible for all the information processed
by the nervous system as a whole. This has been the prominent theory
for many years, but, now, there is a new one to be reckoned with; the
Quantum Brain Theory (QBT). Like many new theories, the QBT has merits
and flaws. Many people are wholeheartedly sold on it; however, this
vigor might be uncalled for. Nevertheless, this could prove to be a
valid and surprisingly accurate theory of brain function."
The Quantum Brain: Theory or Myth?, by Ruth Czarnecki, 1998
Bryn Mawr College
The Role of Quantum Mechanics in Brain Function
-----------------------------------------------
An interview with Dimitri Nanopoulos, PhD
"Dimitri Nanopoulos, Ph.D., is head of the HARC Astroparticle Physics
Group, distinguished professor of physics at Texas A&M University, and
senior physicist at CERN's Theoretical Physics Division. World
renowned for his work in particle physics and cosmology, he is one of
the four scientists who predicted that all matter is divided into
three families of fundamental particles. The author of more than 440
papers, Nanopoulos has served as Curie Fellow at the Laboratoire de
Physique Theorique de l'Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris and as a
research fellow at Harvard University's Lyman Laboratory of Physics."
Google Cache
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:_yZK-nehNTAJ:www.eritreaplanet.com/data/sl02/TheRoleOfQuantumMechanicsInBrainFunction.htm+%22The+Role+of+Quantum+Mechanics+in+Brain+Function%22
The Quantum Theory of the Human Person
--------------------------------------
"This talk is about you as a human person. It is about science's
conception of you as a human person. It is about what makes you
different from a machine. It is about your mind, and how your mind
influences your bodily actions. It is about:
The causal connection between your mind and your brain.
When I tell someone that I study the connection between The Mind and
The Brain, the immediate reply is often: ?What's the difference? I
thought they were the same thing?
Your mind is your stream of consciousness. It consists of your
thoughts, ideas, and feelings, and is described in psychological or
mental terms.
Your brain is an organ in your body consisting of nerve cells and
other tissues, and is described in physical terms---basically in terms
of properties assigned to tiny space-time regions."
Henry Stapp Lecture in Lucerne
Quantum Theory of the Human Person
Word Format: http://www-physics.lbl.gov/~stapp/LUCERNE.doc
.PDF Format: http://www-physics.lbl.gov/~stapp/LUCERNE.pdf
A New Perception of Reality
---------------------------
"Physics has already travelled far from the simple picture of physical
reality provided by classical physics a century ago. At about that
time, certain anomalous results that could not be explained by
classical physics began to appear. As a result, relativity theory and
quantum theory began to emerge as two major new branches of physics
that succeeded in explaining the anomalies as well as many new
phenomena that began to emerge over that time.
At the same time, the picture of physical reality that they presented
often seemed very paradoxical and strange indeed. This article
outlines how modern physics and cosmology view physical reality and
the physical universe, then goes on to explore some even deeper and
more radical ideas about physical reality that are now appearing."
A New Perception of Reality, by Alan Mayne
http://www.ru.org/31realit.html
Mind and Matter - Two Sides of the Same Coin
--------------------------------------------
"The Quantum Mechanics (and also the Theory of Relativity) show us
that the belief in objective perception and definition of the physical
reality has lost its basis. The efforts to illustrate the fundamental
constituents of the physical world objectively, have ended until now
with undisputable and indispensable necessity of subjective
interference. The mind and matter have became mutually
interdependent. Furthermore, the mind and matter have now common
basis because they both depend on statistical rules."
Mind and Matter
http://www.geocities.com/new_understandings/mind_and_matter.html
Quantum Structure and Synthesized Reality
-----------------------------------------
"What is the Origin of all things? What is the Original ?Thing? from
which all of Existence has emerged?
On the surface this may seem like a simple question, but within the
scope of our limited neurological perception, the simple answer may
only be found through a complicated path of deductive reasoning, for
the origin/ foundation of Existence does not dwell in space or time,
but is itself a singular condition without size or shape, out of which
?Space-Time? and ?Dimension? are constructed."
Quantum Structure and Synthesized Reality, by Michael Spirit
http://primordality.com/quantum_theory.htm#Quantum_Structure_and_Synthesized_Reality
Whitehead, Quantum Mechanics and Local Realism
----------------------------------------------
"In his book, Nature Loves to Hide, Shimon Malin provides a
wonderfully lucid and fascinating account of the development of
quantum mechanics in the twentieth century and argues that the
baffling puzzles of the quantum world can be understood in terms of
Whitehead?s process metaphysics.1 Malin thus joins an ever-growing
number of physicists who see in Whitehead?s theories a useful
framework for understanding contemporary physics, including for
example, Henry Stapp, Timothy Eastman, Lawrence Fagg, Basil Hiley and
David Finkelstein. Nature Loves to Hide is divided into three parts:
?.e Quandary,? ?From a Universe of Objects to a Universe of
Experiences,? and ?Physics and the One.? Malin also includes three
appendices on the relativity of simultaneity, the proof of Bell?s
inequalities, and interpretations of quantum theory (i.e., quantum
ontologies)."
Whitehead, Quantum Mechanics and Local Realism, By Leemon McHenry
http://www.csun.edu/~lmchenry/QuantumMec.pdf
Additional Resources Resources
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Quantum Mind ListServer
University of Arizona at Tucson
http://listserv.arizona.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=quantum-mind
Henry Stapp, Physicist,
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
http://www-physics.lbl.gov/~stapp/stappfiles.html
Search Strategy
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Google Search Terms:
consciousness "quantum theory" site:.edu
consciousness "quantum theory" journal
"quantum consciousness"
perception reality consciousness "quantum theory"
perception determinism quantum
I hope you find these resources useful. If you have questions about
the links provided, please, feel free to ask for clarification.
Best regards,
---larre |
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