Quantum Consciousness, Brains, and Cognition
Journal of Consciousness Studies October 1, 2025 Jerome R. Busemeyer, Meijuan Lu
This article examines three distinct but related approaches to the intersection of quantum mechanics and consciousness: quantum consciousness theories, which explore the role of quantum mechanics in understanding consciousness and vice versa; quantum brain theories, which propose that quantum processes in neurons affect cognition and consciousness; and quantum cognition, a field applying quantum mathematical principles to human judgment and decision-making. The author argues that quantum consciousness theories are more relevant to quantum physics than to psychology, quantum brain theories lack clear implications for complex cognition, and quantum cognition avoids addressing consciousness and remains agnostic about quantum brain hypotheses. The article aims to connect these ideas by linking quantum cognition to the other two topics.