Consciousness is not a physically provable property
arXiv Preprint Archive April 28, 2017 via arXiv
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA logical proof shows that computing machines and physical systems cannot be certain whether they possess conscious awareness, implying that human consciousness violates energy conservation. The authors examine how a specific interpretation of quantum mechanics, single mind Q (Barrett 1999), could help detect such a violation. They then apply single mind Q to the problem of free will raised by neurophysiologist Benjamin Libet's experiments.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Q-bio.nc Consciousness Quantum-mechanics Neuroscience Philosophy-of-mind |
| Key finding | A logical proof demonstrates that computing machines and physical systems cannot be certain of their own conscious awareness, which implies that human consciousness violates energy conservation. |
Abstract
We present a logical proof that computing machines, and by extension physical systems, can never be certain if they possess conscious awareness. This implies that human consciousness is associated with a violation of energy conservation. We examine the significance that a particular interpretation of quantum mechanics, known as single mind Q (Barrett 1999), might have for the detection of such a violation. Finally we apply single mind Q to the problem of free will as it arises in some celebrated experiments by the neurophysiologist Benjamin Libet.