Quantum mind or quantum consciousness refers to the hypothesis that the emergence of consciousness involves quantum phenomena such as entanglement and superposition of states. Created in the 1960s, quantum theory proposes a representation of the co-emergence of the entangled psychic and physiological realities of consciousness. It is opposed to classical physics, which fails to explain consciousness.

However, its main founders have not yet been able to demonstrate this theory, as their hypotheses remain speculations. For a better understanding of the subject, I invite you to read this article.

What is the theory of quantum consciousness?

First of all, we need to understand that consciousness is both a simple and a complex notion. It’s an ambiguous concept that involves existential, philosophical and spiritual notions. It all depends on the context. Most of the time, we’re familiar with what it means to be “conscious” or to have an awareness. But it also evokes self-awareness, a notion relating to the fact that we know we exist. But how can we explain the abstract, subjective nature of consciousness in scientific terms? What is consciousness, and how does it work?

The theory of quantum consciousness attempts to provide an answer. It assumes that consciousness emerges from a complex neural computation and arises in the course of biological evolution as an adaptation of living systems, extrinsic to the composition of the universe.

This theory sees the human brain as a quantum computer capable of extraordinary calculations. In contrast, ordinary computers with artificial intelligence appear limited. The quantum mind is present on all scales of the universe. Like Roger Penrose, Stuart Hameroff, Karl H. Pribram and Henry Stapp, quantum consciousness theorists advocate the interdependence of many elements of life. These include matter, time and motion.

Indeed, the word “quantum” refers to the quantification of the elements observed in the universe. This principle takes into account the essential properties of form, number and motion. This implies that color, sound, taste and smell are subjective and beyond the reach of science. On the other hand, spiritual traditions, certain scientists and philosophers consider consciousness to be intrinsic, “woven into the fabric of the universe”.

Examples of approaches to quantum consciousness

With scientific discoveries, theorists of the quantum mind have brought about major changes in the way we perceive the workings of existence, or more precisely, the universe and life. While some have linked quantum theory to spiritual philosophy, others have separated it from spirituality. These theories are subject to controversy.

On the other hand, consciousness evolves as scientific and theoretical discoveries are made. In fact, one of the great thinkers once said that quantum theory could shape human consciousness. In an attempt to explain this phenomenon, several theorists have presented their approach to quantum consciousness.

ROGER PENROSE
According to Roger Penrose, consciousness is irreducible. Human beings are endowed with mathematical capacities that no algorithmic computer can possess. Nevertheless, he is not interested in explaining consciousness, but rather in the cognitive abilities of mathematicians.

On the other hand, he sees objective reduction as an alternative to the collapse of the wave function, the object of his research. This is why he associates each quantum superposition with its own space-time structure. Penrose believes that this objective reduction is neither algorithmic nor random. Indeed, it is “non-computational”. Quantum consciousness must therefore be involved in the collapse if it is to be studied.

STUART HAMEROFF
Stuart Hameroff’s study of quantum theory concerns microtubules. According to his research, delocalized electrons are found in the hydrophobic pockets of tubulin molecules (proteins making up microtubules). This delocalization is a quantum phenomenon, meaning that there is no longer any limit to the probability of an electron being present around the nucleus of an atom. In theory, therefore, there should be coherent action between delocalized electrons.

As an anaesthetist, Hameroff attempts to approach quantum consciousness through the delocalization of electrons. This phenomenon he sees as the basis of a possible quantum coherence that can be extended to the neurological scale. His conclusion is that microtubule activity influences synapse activity.

Roger Penrose and Stuart Hameroff’s theories are based on neurophysiology. They seek to understand the possible effects of quantum coherence in the nervous system. To better address this issue, Penrose and Hameroff focused on electron delocalization in the hydrophobic pockets of microtubules, which form the backbone of the cell.

MAX TEGMARK
Tegmark’s approach to quantum consciousness is the development of an argument that the quantum states present in the brain are decohered before they reach a macroscopic scale. Based on his calculations, the physicist demonstrated the rapid decoherence of quantum systems in the brain. But then again, quantum systems do not control brain function. In his words: “This conclusion does not accord with the suggestions of Penrose and others that the brain acts like a quantum computer and that quantum coherence is linked to consciousness in some fundamental way.”

How can we understand the observer’s effect on quantum consciousness?

For quantum physicists, consciousness and matter remain closely linked. Realities are observed on a holographic basis, as the components of the universe are superimposed. In reality, information is stored in the brain in an envelope comparable to a hologram. In this context, our vision of time depends on our level of consciousness. As we observe, the state of a quantum system changes. This is the phenomenon of wave packet reduction.

Generally speaking, matter is perceived as solid. Planck’s theory of quantum consciousness, however, shows that it is composed of space and vacuum, which extend to infinity. In fact, matter appears as energy concentrated in form. When deployed very quickly, this energy returns to the void and then manifests itself again. When we look at matter, we’re not aware of the whole mechanism at work, but only of what radiates out from the void.

We are also aware of the existence of time. But since our perception is a holographic reality, time and motion are superimposed. Quantum consciousness suggests permanent change. If we see that time is passing, we don’t realize that everything is happening in the present.

Young’s experiment

Also known as the double-slit experiment, Young’s experiment is the origin of the quantum theory of consciousness. Quantum physicists assumed that a thrown object would behave in the same way as a thrown particle if they reduced the interference factors in the trajectory and impact. They therefore performed the experiment on two slits with two openings to determine whether quantum consciousness exists at the level of the elements studied. Objects and particles were thrown through the slits.

Surprisingly, the thrown particles formed several well-organized horizontal bands, unlike the thrown objects. What’s more, they passed through both open slots simultaneously. By plugging one of the slits, the physicists then noticed that the particles behaved like the thrown objects. This led them to conclude that the particles functioned like waves, not like small solid objects. They called these waves probability waves. This experiment proves the existence of quantum consciousness. They observed a different behavior and a distinct logic in the world of the infinitely small.

Quantum physics and collective consciousness

You’ll agree with me that humanity is governed by a principle of individuality, and individuals observe from different centers. We can therefore consider how we experience collective realities. In fact, given that all individuals are linked to the same center of gravity, a consensus is established with regard to the realities observed. This means we all share the same experiences, as our individualities merge and are influenced by the same core, the Earth. Quantum consciousness and collective consciousness are closely linked.

Likewise, the permanent change of reality depends on that of our individualities. As matter, it occupies only a small part of the energy that exists in the void. We have enormous potential to change ourselves individually. When we change our way of being, our minds open up to other realities. This personal mutation strongly influences collective consciousness. Nevertheless, we can’t really see what’s going on in reality; we’re not in a position to observe it as it is. According to the theory of quantum consciousness, we need more than two eyes to perceive reality. As Werner Heisenberg once put it: “What we observe is not nature itself, but nature exposed to our method of questioning.

The downside of quantum theory

Many physicists have disagreed with quantum theory. They believe that consciousness and the brain have no correlation with quantum theory for a number of reasons. Firstly, we are unable to know exactly what consciousness is. Thus, quantum consciousness cannot exist, because we have no control over its real nature. It is immaterial and an elusive entity.

Secondly, there is no theory to present it and reveal its structure. We can recognize the brain, but not consciousness. As we said, consciousness is immaterial and cannot be grasped. But the brain has a physiological constitution. It responds to the norms of chemistry and electromagnetism, which emanate from the exchange of ions and nerve impulses. This shows the limits of quantum physics.

On the other hand, those who disapprove of quantum consciousness reveal that the human faculty surpasses mathematical axioms. It is the human brain that produces theorems, and it cannot be compared with artificial intelligence, such as a computer. In this case, the power of the human faculty does not come from calculations. If quantum physics believes that man is a hypercomputer, it limits him to algorithms. This leads to a reduction in consciousness. As a result, this theory does not reveal the true nature of human consciousness.

So, to date, we can only summarize a limited knowledge of quantum consciousness. It emanates from the hypothesis that man is a hypercomputer. However, to date, these theorists have been unable to either refute or confirm this hypothesis.

And what about you? What’s your opinion on the subject of the quantum theory of consciousness?