Broka, Chris A. (2023) Brains as Quantum Mechanical Systems - A New Model. [Preprint]

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Abstract

We consider the possibility that the brain functions in the manner of a conscious quantum computer. The processes that instantiate
its consciousness – the physical correlates of consciousness – are suggested to be fundamentally quantum mechanical in
nature rather than classical. This idea is by no means new. But specific physical models are hard to come by; it is not obvious
what kind of physical process might give us something like qubits. The Hameroff-Penrose Microtubule Hypothesis is one
example. We begin by approximating a synapse as a small, parallel plate capacitor. We find that the classical electromagnetic
energy stored in such a synapse corresponds closely to the spacing of energy levels we would obtain were the capacitor to be
quantized. Considering each synapse to be an independent oscillator, we can define something like a Fock space in which the
quantum state of the brain is to be represented. We designate the state vector in this space |W(t)>. Some |W(t)> correspond to
definite states of consciousness and are deemed 'admissible.' The others correspond mixed and indefinite qualia states. These are
deemed 'inadmissible.' State vectors collapse so as to preclude the occurrence of inadmissible states.

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Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Broka, Chris A. chris.broka@gmail.com
Keywords:	Keywords: Brains as Quantum Computers, Quantum Measurements, von Neumann-Wigner Interpretation, Synapses.
Subjects:	General Issues > Laws of Nature Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Depositing User:	dr. chris broka
Date Deposited:	22 Mar 2023 13:02
Last Modified:	22 Mar 2023 13:02
Item ID:	21899
Subjects:	General Issues > Laws of Nature Specific Sciences > Physics Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics
Date:	21 March 2023
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/21899

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