Quantum consciousness and a-quantum consciousness: a hypothesis for interpretation

Raoni Wohnrath Arroyo, Lauro de Matos Nunes Filho

Metaphysical underdetermination arises when we are not able to decide, by purely theoretical criteria, between competing interpretations of scientific theories with different metaphysical commitments. This is the case in which non-relativistic quantum mechanics (QM) founds itself in. Among several available interpretations, there is the interpretation which states that the interaction with the conscious mind of a human observer causes a change in the dynamics of quantum objects undergoing from indefinite to definite states. This is, in a nutshell, the received view of the consciousness causes the collapse hypothesis (CCCH), which is the basis for a set of interpretations known as subjectivistic interpretations of QM. Here we propose a further distinction between three levels of metaphysical underdetermination within the discussion related to the interpretations of QM: the first level, described above, concerns the general framework of interpretations of QM (where CCCH is a option among several others, and which is not addressed here); the second one emerges within a particular set of interpretations (namely, CCCH), and the third one from two possible approaches to a particular branch of this set of interpretations. We suggest breaking the last two using metaphysical arguments. As a general result, we have been able to rule out the dualist approach of CCCH (though we cannot rule it out empirically) and to realize that the only viable phenomenological approach to CCCH is the eidetic one.

Valeriy Kotenko

Wouter Slettenhaar

This paper proposes the Self-Computing Universe Hypothesis (SCUH), a novel theoretical framework that integrates quantum mechanics, the philosophy of time, and the role of consciousness. Unlike traditional interpretations where consciousness is seen as a passive observer, SCUH posits that consciousness actively selects reality from a field of quantum possibilities within a dynamic, multidirectional temporal structure. We argue that what appears as randomness in quantum mechanics is a manifestation of deeper computational dynamics, and that time itself is not linear but a fluid medium navigated by conscious agency.

John Nwanegbo-Ben

Raoni Wohnrath Arroyo, Lauro de Matos Nunes Filho, Frederik Moreira dos Santos

According to a particular interpretation of quantum mechanics, the causal role of human consciousness in the measuring process is called upon to solve a foundational problem called the "measurement problem."Traditionally, this interpretation is tied up with the metaphysics of substance dualism.As such, this interpretation of quantum mechanics inherits the dualist's mind-body problem.Our working hypothesis is that a process-based approach to the consciousness causes collapse interpretation (CCCI) -leaning on Whitehead's solution to the mind-body problem-offers a better metaphysical understanding of consciousness and its role in interpreting quantum mechanics.This article is the kickoff for such a research program in the metaphysics of science.

Henry Pierce Stapp