Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Medical Hypotheses

A quantum mechanical explanation for auditory-visual hallucinations

Liam Greenacre

Published Dec 31, 2024• 3 citations
Publisher

Abstract

• Hallucinations are caused by the Many-Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics. • This means individuals can experience other realities. • Furthermore, it means that hallucinations are neither social or biological, but both. • Finally, this may help us treat or help individuals who have hallucinations. Auditory-visual hallucinations might be caused by Quantum Mechanics. The Many-Worlds Interpretation suggests those who have hallucinations might be experiencing alternate realities due to the unique nature of the quantum. Hallucinations, in part to their quantum nature, are neither biological or social-environmental. On the other hand, the scholarship on the origin of Auditory-Visual Hallucinations usually focuses on either the biological or the social-environmental. There is a range of evidence to suggest that quantum mechanics operates in the brain, like EEGs and the nature of mental states, but the social dynamic is introduced via the Many-Worlds Interpretation. The hypothesis that hallucinations are the result of the Many-Worlds Interpretation is reached through a consideration of quantum biology, optics and acoustics. The proposed hypothesis allows us to consider potential therapeutic and medical benefits of the theory, potentially improving the lives of patients via potential technologies or through reducing the trivialisation of their experiences.

DOI
10.1016/j.mehy.2024.111554

Related papers

Physics of the Brain-Schizophrenia

Omid Rezania

Schizophrenic patients suffer from hallucination which its causality is not yet fully understood. This paper attempts to approach this mystery from the perspective of quantum mechanical theories. A novel approach has been adopted to demonstrate the hallucination as a time evolution of percepts basis states in the Hilbertian consciousness which are desynchronised from the time in real world. The method also extends his approach to predict mind and brain modulation through the correlation and coupling of consciousness and it reaches a clinically hypothetical outcome of inducing consciousness into a brain which is not conscious.

arXiv:1706.03619•Jun 7, 2017•0 citations

Quantum Mechanics is not Physical Reality But Mental Potentiality Because of the Law of Non-Contradiction

Franz Klaus Jansen

Quantum mechanics have always shown great predictive successes, but also some weird aspects concerning the mathematics-reality correspondence, such as superposition of contradictory events, like a dead and alive cat. Although physicists claim that we have to live with these contradictions, a psycho-biological analysis could propose another explanation. Observation of extra-mental reality is based on direct physical contact between an object, its corresponding sense organ and its mental representation in the brain. In contrast, prediction of the future is no longer directly linked to extra-mental reality, but projects possible observations from the memory of the past into the future. Due to the uncertainty of the future, predictions require mental potentiality, meaning that it may or may not happen in extra-mental reality. Nevertheless, if past observations are regular as in classical physics, they allow predictions with high reliability, whereas if they are irregular as in quantum physics, they are limited to uncertainty and probability. Superposition in classical physics increases space or time units accordingly, whereas quantum superposition considers multiple space locations for the same object at the same time. Thus, the quantum mechanical formalism is in direct contradiction to the philosophical law of non-contradiction, which does not allow considering it as extra-mental reality. However, it has all characteristics of mental potentiality, which allows prediction of future outcomes with probability. The consideration of quantum mechanics as mental potentiality would solve the superposition problem, as well as the measurement and the non-locality problem. According to the regularity or irregularity of observation, classical or quantum mechanical formalism has to be applied for prediction of future dynamics. There is no collapse or continuation of superposition in the wave function, but simply the replacement of an uncertain prediction model by the more certain observation. With this interpretation some weird aspects could be completely eliminated.

NeuroQuantology•Jan 19, 2015•4 citations

Many-worlds interpretation of quantum theory and fundamental problems of biophysics

Vladimir A. Namiot

The main aspects connected with the many-worlds interpretation of quantum theory are discussed in the article. A possible relation of the interpretation with fundamental biological problems is emphasized. The context of the many-worlds interpretation is discussed in the frames of the so-called “wave function reduction” problem. Thus, some difficulties that arise when we try to imagine how a wave function is reduced in the many-worlds interpretation, are focused on. It is shown that explanations suggested by now as to how the “wave function reduction” happens cannot claim to be the final answer to this question, even though they are not formally contradictory.

BIOPHYSICS•Jan 1, 2014•1 citation

Quantum mechanisms in the brain: from conjectures and theories to experimental evidence

Travis J. A. Craddock

As the emerging field of quantum biology matures it is becoming possible to understand the fundamental workings of biological systems at the subatomic level. Understanding the complex function of the brain from this vantage point is no exception. Looking at the subcellular functions of neurons beyond the standard classical mechanisms of chemical and electrical signaling offers the potential to design advanced diagnostics and therapeutics for neurological disorders and mental illnesses based on quantum technologies and could even lead to a more comprehensive understanding of human cognition, behavior, or even consciousness itself. Towards this end there have been many theories proposed for how quantum mechanics may play a role in brain function. However, regardless of how promising these theories are, without experimental evidence to provide validation they are merely interesting conjectures. Here we present a review of current theoretical quantum mechanisms proposed to influence brain function (e.g., spin-based mechanisms, optical mechanisms) and place them in the context of existing experimental evidence. We find that experimental evidence does support quantum mechanisms that may exist in the brain, but significant challenges remain in explaining how such mechanisms may influence processes on relevant biological lengths and timescales. Potential approaches to address these challenges are also discussed.

Quantum Effects and Measurement Techniques in Biology and Biophotonics•Mar 21, 2025•3 citations

A human in a multi-world interpretation of quantum mechanics

Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Grishin

The essay provides an overview of current scientific and philosophical publications on quantum physics and interpretations of quantum mechanics. Based on the ideas of British physicist David Deutsch and American theoretical physicist Sean M. Carroll, the substantiation of a multi-world interpretation from the point of view of physical theory, its consistency and ability to explain the paradoxes of quantum physics without involving additional auxiliary concepts and unknown laws of physics is presented. The author suggests that the rejection of a multi–world interpretation should be attributed to a psychological barrier – the refusal to look at reality from a different angle, or the "illusion of common sense". The mechanism of quantum computing (quantum computing) and the possibility of the quantum nature of the functioning of consciousness of living organisms based on the concepts of Roger Penrose and Mikhail Mensky and their ambiguity are considered. Using analysis and general scientific research methods, a mechanism for the interaction of biological organisms and the quantum nature of the world is proposed based on the principle used by quantum mechanics to solve the Elitzur-Weidman problem. The conclusion is made about the possibility of functioning of a biological quantum mechanism that provides a significant gain in environmental competition between living beings by increasing the effectiveness of their predictive behavior. Arguments are given both in favor and against the existence of such a mechanism based on the analysis of publicly available research materials on this topic. In conclusion, an attempt is made to determine the place of man in the expanded picture of the universe in this way. It is shown how important it could be whether human beings are able to exchange information with their invariants in the Multiverse, from the point of view of the concepts of personality and self-awareness. A brief overview of the influence of the ideas of quantum physics in general and the multi-world interpretation in particular on modern religious movements, philosophy and media culture is given.

Философская мысль•Oct 1, 2024•0 citations

How the Many Worlds Interpretation brings Common Sense to Paradoxical Quantum Experiments

Kelvin J. McQueen, Lev Vaidman A

The many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics (MWI) states that the world we live in is just one among many parallel worlds. It is widely believed that because of this commitment to parallel worlds, the MWI violates common sense. Some go so far as to reject the MWI on this basis. This is despite its myriad of advantages to physics (e.g. consistency with relativity theory, mathematical simplicity, realism, determinism, etc.). Here, we make the case that common sense in fact favors the MWI. We argue that causal explanations are commonsensical only when they are local causal explanations. We present several quantum mechanical experiments that seem to exhibit nonlocal "action at a distance". Under the assumption that only one world exists, these experiments seem immune to local causal explanation. However, we show that the MWI, by taking all worlds together, can provide local causal explanations of the experiments. The MWI therefore restores common sense to physical explanation.

arXiv:2202.01438•Feb 3, 2022•0 citations
• Hallucinations are caused by the Many-Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics. • This means individuals can experience other realities. • Furthermore, it means that hallucinations are neither social or biological, but both. • Finally, this may help us treat or help individuals who have hallucinations. Auditory-visual hallucinations might be caused by Quantum Mechanics. The Many-Worlds Interpretation suggests those who have hallucinations might be experiencing alternate realities due to the unique nature of the quantum. Hallucinations, in part to their quantum nature, are neither biological or social-environmental. On the other hand, the scholarship on the origin of Auditory-Visual Hallucinations usually focuses on either the biological or the social-environmental. There is a range of evidence to suggest that quantum mechanics operates in the brain, like EEGs and the nature of mental states, but the social dynamic is introduced via the Many-Worlds Interpretation. The hypothesis that hallucinations are the result of the Many-Worlds Interpretation is reached through a consideration of quantum biology, optics and acoustics. The proposed hypothesis allows us to consider potential therapeutic and medical benefits of the theory, potentially improving the lives of patients via potential technologies or through reducing the trivialisation of their experiences.
Schizophrenic patients suffer from hallucination which its causality is not yet fully understood. This paper attempts to approach this mystery from the perspective of quantum mechanical theories. A novel approach has been adopted to demonstrate the hallucination as a time evolution of percepts basis states in the Hilbertian consciousness which are desynchronised from the time in real world. The method also extends his approach to predict mind and brain modulation through the correlation and coupling of consciousness and it reaches a clinically hypothetical outcome of inducing consciousness into a brain which is not conscious.
Quantum mechanics have always shown great predictive successes, but also some weird aspects concerning the mathematics-reality correspondence, such as superposition of contradictory events, like a dead and alive cat. Although physicists claim that we have to live with these contradictions, a psycho-biological analysis could propose another explanation. Observation of extra-mental reality is based on direct physical contact between an object, its corresponding sense organ and its mental representation in the brain. In contrast, prediction of the future is no longer directly linked to extra-mental reality, but projects possible observations from the memory of the past into the future. Due to the uncertainty of the future, predictions require mental potentiality, meaning that it may or may not happen in extra-mental reality. Nevertheless, if past observations are regular as in classical physics, they allow predictions with high reliability, whereas if they are irregular as in quantum physics, they are limited to uncertainty and probability. Superposition in classical physics increases space or time units accordingly, whereas quantum superposition considers multiple space locations for the same object at the same time. Thus, the quantum mechanical formalism is in direct contradiction to the philosophical law of non-contradiction, which does not allow considering it as extra-mental reality. However, it has all characteristics of mental potentiality, which allows prediction of future outcomes with probability. The consideration of quantum mechanics as mental potentiality would solve the superposition problem, as well as the measurement and the non-locality problem. According to the regularity or irregularity of observation, classical or quantum mechanical formalism has to be applied for prediction of future dynamics. There is no collapse or continuation of superposition in the wave function, but simply the replacement of an uncertain prediction model by the more certain observation. With this interpretation some weird aspects could be completely eliminated.
The main aspects connected with the many-worlds interpretation of quantum theory are discussed in the article. A possible relation of the interpretation with fundamental biological problems is emphasized. The context of the many-worlds interpretation is discussed in the frames of the so-called “wave function reduction” problem. Thus, some difficulties that arise when we try to imagine how a wave function is reduced in the many-worlds interpretation, are focused on. It is shown that explanations suggested by now as to how the “wave function reduction” happens cannot claim to be the final answer to this question, even though they are not formally contradictory.
As the emerging field of quantum biology matures it is becoming possible to understand the fundamental workings of biological systems at the subatomic level. Understanding the complex function of the brain from this vantage point is no exception. Looking at the subcellular functions of neurons beyond the standard classical mechanisms of chemical and electrical signaling offers the potential to design advanced diagnostics and therapeutics for neurological disorders and mental illnesses based on quantum technologies and could even lead to a more comprehensive understanding of human cognition, behavior, or even consciousness itself. Towards this end there have been many theories proposed for how quantum mechanics may play a role in brain function. However, regardless of how promising these theories are, without experimental evidence to provide validation they are merely interesting conjectures. Here we present a review of current theoretical quantum mechanisms proposed to influence brain function (e.g., spin-based mechanisms, optical mechanisms) and place them in the context of existing experimental evidence. We find that experimental evidence does support quantum mechanisms that may exist in the brain, but significant challenges remain in explaining how such mechanisms may influence processes on relevant biological lengths and timescales. Potential approaches to address these challenges are also discussed.
The essay provides an overview of current scientific and philosophical publications on quantum physics and interpretations of quantum mechanics. Based on the ideas of British physicist David Deutsch and American theoretical physicist Sean M. Carroll, the substantiation of a multi-world interpretation from the point of view of physical theory, its consistency and ability to explain the paradoxes of quantum physics without involving additional auxiliary concepts and unknown laws of physics is presented. The author suggests that the rejection of a multi–world interpretation should be attributed to a psychological barrier – the refusal to look at reality from a different angle, or the "illusion of common sense". The mechanism of quantum computing (quantum computing) and the possibility of the quantum nature of the functioning of consciousness of living organisms based on the concepts of Roger Penrose and Mikhail Mensky and their ambiguity are considered. Using analysis and general scientific research methods, a mechanism for the interaction of biological organisms and the quantum nature of the world is proposed based on the principle used by quantum mechanics to solve the Elitzur-Weidman problem. The conclusion is made about the possibility of functioning of a biological quantum mechanism that provides a significant gain in environmental competition between living beings by increasing the effectiveness of their predictive behavior. Arguments are given both in favor and against the existence of such a mechanism based on the analysis of publicly available research materials on this topic. In conclusion, an attempt is made to determine the place of man in the expanded picture of the universe in this way. It is shown how important it could be whether human beings are able to exchange information with their invariants in the Multiverse, from the point of view of the concepts of personality and self-awareness. A brief overview of the influence of the ideas of quantum physics in general and the multi-world interpretation in particular on modern religious movements, philosophy and media culture is given.
The many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics (MWI) states that the world we live in is just one among many parallel worlds. It is widely believed that because of this commitment to parallel worlds, the MWI violates common sense. Some go so far as to reject the MWI on this basis. This is despite its myriad of advantages to physics (e.g. consistency with relativity theory, mathematical simplicity, realism, determinism, etc.). Here, we make the case that common sense in fact favors the MWI. We argue that causal explanations are commonsensical only when they are local causal explanations. We present several quantum mechanical experiments that seem to exhibit nonlocal "action at a distance". Under the assumption that only one world exists, these experiments seem immune to local causal explanation. However, we show that the MWI, by taking all worlds together, can provide local causal explanations of the experiments. The MWI therefore restores common sense to physical explanation.