A Possible Connection Between Self-Consciousness and Quantum

N. A. Solovyev

The article shows that the quantum paradigm makes it possible to break the deadlock of the free will problem of Laplacian determinism, since the phase trajectory of a quantum object has ramification points. The key point in the quantum approach is the introduction into consideration of the extraphysical Self, which observes the contents of consciousness, which are a reflection of the information processes occurring in the brain. At the same time, the contents of consciousness are connected both with the actual invironment and with the world of potential capabilities of a living being. It is pointed out that this connection of consciousness with the timeless world of potential possibilities of the Universe which should be considered as the Kantian region of the transcendental and the “chessboard” within which living beings make a free choice of their actions. It is shown that the quantum approach to the problem of freedom and consciousness allows us to explain the non-algorithmic nature of human thinking.

Shan Gao

Elio Conte, Nunzia Santacroce, Antonio Federici

A model of consciousness and conscious experience is introduced. Starting with a non-Lipschitz Chaotic dynamics of neural activity, we propose that the synaptic transmission between adjacent as well as distant neurons should be regulated in brain dynamics through quantum tunneling. Further, based on various studies of different previous authors, we consider the emergence of very large quantum mechanical system representable by an abstract quantum net entirely based on quantum-like entities having in particular the important feature of expressing self-reference similar to what occurs in consciousness. The properties of such quantum-like mind entities are discussed in detail. A quantum-like model of conscious experience is also discussed. It is shown that such quantum mechanical entities are able to arrange themselves alternatively on the basis of the subject story, memory, and pain-pleasure in response to an external stimulus, thus giving the subject the possibility to response to the stimulus on the basis of his emotion as well as cognitive state. Finally, we discuss the possible connections between the quantum-like model introduced in this paper and the chaotic behaviors often identified experimentally in studies on brain dynamics. Part II of this article contains: 4. A Quantum Model of Consciousness II; 5. The Quantum Model of Conscious Experience; and References.

Henry Pierce Stapp

Henry Pierce Stapp

Elio Conte

A model of consciousness and conscious experience is introduced. Starting with a non-Lipschitz Chaotic dynamics of neural activity, we propose that the synaptic transmission between adjacent as well as distant neurons should be regulated in brain dynamics through quantum tunneling. Further, based on various studies of different previous authors, we consider the emergence of very large quantum mechanical system representable by an abstract quantum net entirely based on quantum-like entities having in particular the important feature of expressing self-reference similar to what occurs in consciousness. The properties of such quantum-like mind entities are discussed in detail. A quantum-like model of conscious experience is also discussed. It is shown that such quantum mechanical entities are able to arrange themselves alternatively on the basis of the subject story, memory, and pain-pleasure in response to an external stimulus, thus giving the subject the possibility to response to the stimulus on the basis of his emotion as well as cognitive state. Finally, we discuss the possible connections between the quantum-like model introduced in this paper and the chaotic behaviors often identified experimentally in studies on brain dynamics. Part I of this article contains: Introduction; 1. Non Lipschitz Terminal Dynamics of Single Neuron Activity; and References; 2. Quantum Mechanical Properties of Neuron Dynamics; and 3. A Quantum Model of Consciousness I.