Gao, Shan (2011) A quantum physical argument for panpsychism. [Preprint]
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Abstract
It has been widely thought that consciousness has no causal efficacy in the physical world. However, this may be not the case. In this paper, we show that a conscious being can distinguish definite perceptions and their quantum superpositions, while a physical measuring system without consciousness cannot distinguish such nonorthogonal quantum states. The possible existence of this distinct quantum physical effect of consciousness may have interesting implications for the science of consciousness. In particular, it suggests that consciousness is not emergent but a fundamental feature of the universe. This may provide a possible quantum basis for panpsychism.
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| Item Type: | Preprint | ||||||
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| Additional Information: | Forthcoming in Journal of Consciousness Studies | ||||||
| Keywords: | consciousness, causal efficacy, quantum superposition, quantum-to-classical transition, panpsychism | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science Specific Sciences > Psychology Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Reductionism/Holism |
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| Depositing User: | Dr. Shan Gao | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 10 Aug 2011 22:16 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 17 Feb 2013 15:28 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 8749 | ||||||
| Subjects: | Specific Sciences > Cognitive Science Specific Sciences > Psychology Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics General Issues > Reductionism/Holism |
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| Date: | 9 August 2011 | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8749 |
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