Towards a process-based approach to consciousness and collapse in quantum mechanics
arXiv Preprint Archive February 6, 2024 Raoni Arroyo, Lauro de Matos Nunes Filho, Frederik Moreira dos Santos
The paper argues that the interpretation of quantum mechanics which assigns a causal role to human consciousness in measurement (the "consciousness causes collapse" interpretation) is traditionally tied to substance dualism and therefore inherits the mind-body problem. The authors propose that adopting a process-based metaphysical approach, inspired by Alfred North Whitehead's solution to the mind-body problem, offers a more coherent understanding of consciousness and its role in quantum mechanics. This article serves as the launch of a research program in the metaphysics of science to develop that approach.