Quantum Consciousness, Brains, and Cognition

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Quantum consciousness concerns both the possible role that quantum mechanics has for understanding consciousness as well as the role that consciousness has for interpreting quantum physics. Quantum brain theories hypothesize that quantum physical processes occur within and between the neurons of the brain and have important effects on cognition as well as consciousness. Quantum cognition is a growing new field in cognitive science concerned with the application of the mathematical principles of quantum theory to human judgment and decision-making behaviour. What do all these theories have to do with each other? Quantum theories of consciousness have more to say about quantum physics than cognitive psychology and conscious experiences. Quantum brain theories have not been sufficiently ‘scaled up’ to provide clear implications for how quantum physical processes generate more complex cognition. Quantum cognition theories have avoided addressing fundamental issues about consciousness and have remained agnostic with respect to the quantum brain hypothesis. This article will address the problem of connecting these ideas together by connecting quantum cognition to the other two topics.