Does consciousness really collapse the wave function? A possible objective biophysical resolution of the measurement problem
arXiv Preprint Archive September 6, 2005 via arXiv
Summary
An analysis of von Neumann, London and Bauer, and Wigner's theories on consciousness collapsing the wave function suggests they may have erred in calling for reduction of superposition states in the brain. Wigner later adopted a simpler objective position, expanded by Shimony, which offers a resolution. The argument holds that the wave function of superposed photon states is objectively changed within the eye's architecture: first a continuous linear process for most photons, then a discontinuous nonlinear collapse for any remaining, ensuring only final measured information reaches the brain. A future experiment may resolve the measurement problem and test if quantum mechanics' linearity is violated by perception.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Quant-ph Q-bio.nc Quantum biology Neuroscience Visual perception |
| Key finding | The wave function of superposed photon states is objectively changed within the eye in a continuous linear process followed by a discontinuous nonlinear collapse, preventing superposition from reaching the brain. |
Abstract
An analysis has been performed of the theories and postulates advanced by von Neumann, London and Bauer, and Wigner, concerning the role that consciousness might play in the collapse of the wave function, which has become known as the measurement problem. This reveals that an error may have been made by them in the area of biology and its interface with quantum mechanics, when they called for the reduction of any superposition states in the brain through the mind or consciousness. Many years later Wigner changed his mind to reflect a simpler and more realistic objective position, expanded upon by Shimony, which appears to offer a way to resolve this issue. The argument is therefore made that the wave function of any superposed photon state or states is always objectively changed within the complex architecture of the eye in a continuous linear process initially for most of the superposed photons, followed by a discontinuous nonlinear collapse process later for any remaining superposed photons, thereby guaranteeing that only final, measured information is presented to the brain, mind or consciousness. An experiment to be conducted in the near future may enable us to simultaneously resolve the measurement problem and also determine if the linear nature of quantum mechanics is violated by the perceptual process.