Quantum Models of Mind: Are They Compatible with Environment Decoherence?
Jean Faber, Luiz Pinguelli Rosa
arXiv Preprint Archive March 5, 2004 via arXiv
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe Hameroff-Penrose model of consciousness, which relies on gravitational collapse (orchestrated objective reduction, Orch OR), is incompatible with decoherence theory. Decoherence, caused by interaction with the environment, offers a more viable mechanism for quantum processes in the brain. Quantum mechanics can still be applied to brain research without the Hameroff-Penrose model by replacing gravitational collapse with decoherence.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Quant-ph Quantum consciousness Neuroscience Quantum biology Mind-body problem |
| Key finding | The Hameroff-Penrose model is incompatible with decoherence, but quantum brain models can be sustained by replacing gravitational collapse with decoherence. |
Abstract
We criticize the Hameroff Penrose model in the context of quantum brain model by gravitational collapse orchestrated objective reduction, orch. OR, assumed by Penrose, and we propose instead that the decoherence process is caused by interaction with the environment. We consider it useful to exploit this possibility because of the growing importance of decoherence theory in quantum measurement, and also because quantum mechanics can be applied to brain study independently of the Hameroff Penrose model for mind and consciousness. Our conclusion is that the Hameroff Penrose model is not compatible with decoherence, but nevertheless quantum brain can still be considered if we replace gravitational collapse orch .OR with decoherence.