On the distinction between beables and qualia
arXiv Preprint Archive February 11, 2025
Summary
Consciousness and quantum mechanics share a fascinating connection through the relationship between physical reality and subjective experience. Research exploring the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation reveals that while physical properties and conscious experiences are distinct, they're fundamentally interlinked - neither can exist without the other. This insight offers a novel approach to understanding consciousness through quantum physics.
Abstract
The link between the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation and the hard problem of consciousness is investigated. We highlight that beables of the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation are not themselves qualia, but are intimately related to qualia. It is then argued that qualia are necessary for the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation, and conversely the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation (or similar theories) are necessary for qualia. Therefore, there is a reflexive two-way relationship between the beables of the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation and qualia such that they support the existence of each other. By using this reflexive argument, the hard problem of consciousness can be addressed via an indirect route.