This paper proposes a model of sensory dimensional evolution, aiming to elucidate thepotential biological significance of quantum mechanics and provide a new explanatoryframework for issues such as the observer effect and the Fermi paradox. The model isbased on two fundamental assumptions: first, the universe possesses a highest dimension; second, the evolution of sensory systems is closely related to dimensional cognition.Building on this foundation, the paper attempts to construct an interdisciplinary theoretical system to connect biological perception mechanisms with fundamental physicallaws, and to provide a unified description for the pathways of civilizational evolution, theforms of alien civilizations, and their differences in world cognition.
This paper proposes a model of sensory dimensional evolution, aiming to elucidate thepotential biological significance of quantum mechanics and provide a new explanatoryframework for issues such as the observer effect and the Fermi paradox. The model isbased on two fundamental assumptions: first, the universe possesses a highest dimension; second, the evolution of sensory systems is closely related to dimensional cognition.Building on this foundation, the paper attempts to construct an interdisciplinary theoretical system to connect biological perception mechanisms with fundamental physicallaws, and to provide a unified description for the pathways of civilizational evolution, theforms of alien civilizations, and their differences in world cognition.
The interface theory of perception maintains that sensory systems evolved to present agents with an 'adaptive desktop' rather than a veridical picture of the world. Physical reality is an evolutionary construct. By contrast, consciousness and agency are fundamental, irreducible elements not emergent from physics. Building on this framework, the quantum interface theory (QIT) is introduced. Several core quantum-mechanical features, such as entanglement, superposition, and decoherence, are artefacts of the interface. Moreover, the formalism of 'quantum conscious agents' is sketched to provide a foundation for QIT. Thereby, perception is modelled as a quantum instrument, enabling the study of back-reactions on agent– environment dynamics. Consciousness exhibits quantum-like properties when it 'measures itself', leading to the following prediction: signatures of quantum coherence in biological systems correlate to consciousness only if they modulate an agent's interface dynamics. By integrating evolutionary theory, quantum information, and metaphysics, QIT offers a unifying framework for modern consciousness science.
This paper addresses the long-standing challenge of unifying classical mechanics and quantum mechanics, which has puzzled the physics community for decades. Most existing frameworks are built on the foundations of material particles and spacetime, neglecting consciousness as an independent physical entity. Here, I propose a novel hypothesis: the Consciousness Energy (CE) theory, which posits that consciousness energy is the fundamental form of the universe. Without mass or physical substance, it evolves autonomously, iterates, and remains stable across dimensions. Based on this idea, I construct a three-tiered cosmic model: the high-dimensional consciousness origin, the intermediate dimensional buffer layer, and the low-dimensional material world we inhabit. This framework provides a consistent explanation for seemingly contradictory phenomena, such as quantum entanglement, the observer effect, black hole singularities, and the vibrational nature of strings. It unifies classical and quantum mechanics: the former describes the behavior of condensed consciousness energy in the material world, while the latter reflects the free characteristics of consciousness in its primordial state. This theory aligns with concepts in traditional Chinese philosophy, such as inner observation and spiritual cultivation, which are essentially practices to purify and strengthen consciousness energy, aiming to transcend dimensional constraints and return to the origin. The framework is logically self-consistent and compatible with established physical laws, offering a new perspective for the study of a "theory of everything".
This paper presents a historical perspective on the development and application of quantum physics methodology beyond physics, especially in biology and in the area of consciousness studies. Quantum physics provides a conceptual framework for the structural aspects of biological systems and processes via quantum chemistry. In recent years individual biological phenomena such as photosynthesis and bird navigation have been experimentally and theoretically analyzed using quantum methods building conceptual foundations for quantum biology. Since consciousness is attributed to human (and possibly animal) mind, quantum underpinnings of cognitive processes are a logical extension. Several proposals, especially the Orch OR hypothesis, have been put forth in an effort to introduce a scientific basis to the theory of consciousness. At the center of these approaches are microtubules as the substrate on which conscious processes in terms of quantum coherence and entanglement can be built. Additionally, Quantum Metabolism, quantum processes in ion channels and quantum effects in sensory stimulation are discussed in this connection. We discuss the challenges and merits related to quantum consciousness approaches as well as their potential extensions.
To arbitrate theories of consciousness, scientists need mathematical models of consciousness or qualia. The dominant view regards qualia as points in a dimensional space. Implicit in this view is that qualia can be in principle measured without any effects on it. This contrasts with intuitions and various empirical findings about qualia that they can change when they are measured. How can we deal with entities that are affected by the act of measurement? We argue that mathematical formalisms of quantum theory are precisely developed to deal with such situations. Here, we propose qualia as “observables” (i.e., entities that can be in principle observed), sensory inputs and internal attention as “states” that specify the context that a measurement takes place, and “measurement outcomes” as expected values of qualia observables in a certain state. We propose to call this formalism as the Quantum Qualia (QQ) hypothesis. QQ proposes that qualia observables in a state interact with the world, as if through an interface of sensory inputs and internal attention. This qualia-interface-world scheme has the same mathematical structure as observables-states-environment in quantum theory. Within this framework, mathematical concepts of “instruments” can precisely formalize how measurements can affect (or update) qualia observables and states. QQ naturally explains intuitions about qualia, such as the nature of qualia as indeterminate entities. Finally, QQ leads to empirical predictions that challenge traditional models, such as order effects and violations of Bell inequalities. With further confirmation of such predictions, we believe that QQ will emerge as a viable alternate mathematical model of qualia, offering an important step towards understanding the nature and structures of consciousness.
To arbitrate theories of consciousness, scientists need to understand mathematical structures of quality of consciousness, or qualia. The dominant view regards qualia as points in a dimensional space. This view implicitly assumes that qualia can be measured without any effect on them. This contrasts with intuitions and empirical findings to show that by means of internal attention qualia can change when they are measured. What is a proper mathematical structure for entities that are affected by the act of measurement? Here we propose the mathematical structure used in quantum theory, in which we consider qualia as "observables" (i.e., entities that can, in principle, be observed), sensory inputs and internal attention as "states" that specify the context that a measurement takes place, and "measurement outcomes" with probabilities that qualia observables take particular values. Based on this mathematical structure, the Quantum-like Qualia (QQ) hypothesis proposes that qualia observables interact with the world, as if through an interface of sensory inputs and internal attention. We argue that this qualia-interface-world scheme has the same mathematical structure as observables-states-environment in quantum theory. Moreover, within this structure, the concept of a "measurement instrument" in quantum theory can precisely model how measurements affect qualia observables and states. We argue that QQ naturally explains known properties of qualia and predicts that qualia are sometimes indeterminate. Such predictions can be empirically determined by the presence of order effects or violations of Bell inequalities. Confirmation of such predictions substantiates our overarching claim that the mathematical structure of QQ will offer novel insights into the nature of consciousness.
The question of whether quantum mechanical phenomena play a functional role in brain activity and the emergence of consciousness remains one of the most controversial yet intellectually stimulating debates at the intersection of physics, neuroscience, and philosophy of mind. This review systematically examines the principal theoretical frameworks proposing quantum-level mechanisms in neural computation, including the Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch OR) hypothesis by Penrose and Hameroff, the quantum brain hypothesis of Stapp, quantum coherence models in microtubules, and quantum field theories of consciousness. We critically evaluate the current state of empirical evidence—including recent quantum biology findings, the challenge of decoherence in warm, biological systems, and experimental observations of quantum effects in biological systems—alongside computational models that bridge quantum formalism and neural network dynamics. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of quantum cognition models for understanding perception, decision-making, and memory. Despite significant scientific skepticism, emerging evidence from quantum biology and advanced neuroimaging technologies provides tentative support for quantum processes in neural substrates. We conclude by identifying critical gaps in current knowledge and outlining future research directions that may resolve the debate, including proposals for experimental paradigms using quantum sensing technologies applied to neural tissue. This review aims to serve as a foundational reference for researchers across disciplines approaching the quantum mind hypothesis with scientific rigor.