Mind–Body Interaction and Modern Physics

Kathryn Blackmond Laskey

L. Bass

J. Christopher Austin

If we take seriously literal interpretations of quantum theory and general relativity then the question posed in the title is no. This article highlights where incompatibilities arise by considering our experience in the context of modern physics. Implied nonmaterial minds possess a property that no physical entity does-localisation in the configuration space. The principle of localisation (PL) is proposed, and is used to show that there is no need to resort to the Everett interpretation to show that minds exist outside of physics. Post relativity physics is enough. However, in this regime, there is no free will, minds are destined to experience a predetermined but unknown future. Free will is restored when we reinstate the Everett interpretation of quantum theory.

Andreas Wichert

The modern version of the wave-function collapse in quantum mechanics is based on decoherence and leads to the multiverse interpretation of quantum mechanics. The decoherence causes the universe to develop an emergent branching structure. One can interpret the branching structure either as a tree structure or as parallel different histories. Time is not continuous since there are no measurable continuous in quantum physics. Notion of continuous range of possible values of time is just an idealization. The same goes with the direction of time that is a prior assumption based on the branching structure of the multiverse. The multiverse does not exist in external space nor time since there is nothing more beside it. The observer's mind should be not in a superposition with himself. Because of this, in the Many-minds interpretations it is argued that the distinction between worlds should be made at the level of the individual observer. The human bodies are in a superposition, but the minds have definite states that are never in superposition. All possible lives, personalities that do not violate the laws of physics are facts since they represent a valid history in the multiverse. We are one of this possible personalities. Our choices are defined by our personality explained to us by our mind, our consciousness is the unchangeable part of us. It is nonphysical and it senses the world. It does not interact with the brain in the other way beside it.

THOMAS PICK

Inmaculada Nogués

We increasingly know more about quantum physics, and of how modern physics can widen our understanding of daily life, of ourselves and our relationship with the world. Quantum physics opens up to us a new perspective on the link between matter and awareness, and of how its principies ( wave-particle duality, coherence, no locality, indetermination, etc.) permit us to understand many, until now unknown, mysteries; of how the duality of mind-body is the reflection of the dual ity wave-particle; of how the awareness of the observer modifies the result of the experiment; of how the coherence or not of the therapist influences the pacient; of the action of the mind at a distance; of the freewill, etc.