A theory

EVAN.F

EVAN.F

Member
Ok, so consciousness right? What is it?

In quantum mechanics, particles can be smeared out in space and time

and exist in a superposition of two different states at the same time,

until they reach a threshold and their wavefunction collapses to one

state. For example, say there is an electron in superposition of states A

and B. The electron is at the level where reality separates into two

separate universes. By interacting with its environment, the

wavefunction collapses and the electron essentially has to make a choice

of which state to be in. In that sense, by making a choice, the electron could be

conscious. Consciousness could be thought of as the relationship between

the two states in superposition. That would mean consciousness is tied

in to the fabric of reality.

So that being said, the consciousness that we experience with our

brains is just a much more complex and advanced version of that, we can

consider multiple possibilities and then choose, enabling us to navigate

an almost infinite amount of possible universes.

Did that make any sense to anyone?
 
Well that could be, like some organism are single cellular and some are multi-cellular, But I don't think the electron makes a "decision". I believe the universe splits into two to accompany for both outcomes. This is a very famous, different theory, but I forgot what it is called.
 
i usually quit reading when i see the word "quantum," but i didnt that time and i roughly understood what youre trying to say. its an interesting idea.
 
internet-memes-didnt-read.gif
 
The only problem (well probably not the only one) with that is that most brain functions (apparently) happen at scales too large for quantum phenomenon like superposition to have a significant influence.

Also, we don't necessarily know that "consciousness" can't be explained in a classical view. It depends on your views on free will vs determinism. At that point you're more into the realm of philosophy than physics.
 
We should first establish that free will exists before we ask where it comes from, and we should first define "free will" before we establish it exists.
 
i would beg to differ the electron is going to act based on laws of physics, much a like a magnet. Our brains would be a series of electro-magnetic pulses through nerve cells. Similar, but very different all at the same time. Also at this point one is more among the topic of philosophy rather then any sound form of science.

 
Do you know what "nerve impulses" are? Electrical signals.

Do you know what electricity is? Electrons jumping from atom to

atom.

Therefore there is atleast a loose connection between conscious thought and quantum physics.

Electrons can be in multiple places at once so it follows the theory stated above. Also the "Many Worlds theory" I mentioned above says that every time the signal is sent/not sent, the universe splits into two and both outcomes are present through those two universes.

So sure, you could easily make an argument that consciousness is somewhat governed by quantum physics.
 
True, but there is a lose connection between quantum mechanics and everything in the physical universe, because quantum mechanics describes the behavior of quanta which are at the foundation of all physical matter. That doesn't mean that the moon can exist in superposition. What we (seem to) understand from neuroscience is that the actions in our brain that are involved in things like decision making and thought processes happen at scales too large to be described by quantum mechanics.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top