Putting Mind Back into Nature: A Tribute to Henry P. Stapp
arXiv Preprint Archive April 16, 2019 via arXiv
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractHenry Stapp has argued for 60 years that the structure of quantum mechanics implies a central and irreducible role for mind—an experiential aspect of nature distinct from physical matter and energy. The paper describes this thesis and calls for interdisciplinary exploration, especially connections with neuroscience and empirical psychology, to investigate mind's role in quantum ontology.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Q-bio.nc Quantum consciousness Neuroscience Mind-matter interaction Theoretical physics |
| Key finding | The structure of quantum mechanics implies a central and irreducible role for mind as an experiential aspect of nature distinct from physical matter and energy. |
Abstract
Henry Stapp has for 60 years been a leader, perhaps the leader, in exploring the role of mind (psyche, consciousness, experience) in the ontology of quantum mechanics. Henry's contention is that the very structure of quantum mechanics implies a central and irreducible role for mind: an experiential aspect of nature distinct from that of the physical matter and energy described by the dynamical equations of physics. The task then becomes generating interest across disciplines in the exploration of this thesis, and in particular to seek connections with neuroscience and with empirical psychology.