Quantum Consciousness 1 Running Head: Quantum Consciousness
Quantum Mechanics and Consciousness Michael Gregg April 14, 2009
Quantum Consciousness 2 Thesis This paper will present the theory that classical physics is deficient when attempting to explain conscious thought and that consciousness may be interconnected to quantum physics through simple harmonic oscillation and the Quantum Zeno effect is currently supported by a number of mathematical equations and experiments. I will begin by explaining this premise using the research and calculations of Dr. Henry Stapp. I will then put forth arguments in support of explaining consciousness as one would a classically based computer. Finally, I will state my own views of where this research may potentially lead, as well as pose questions for future research. Problem Statement Definitions A simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) is defined as an oscillating system wherein motion is at an equilibrium position where no net force acts on the system, the restoring force is comparative to and oppositely directed to the displacement, and where the motion is periodic (Weisstein). A quantum harmonic oscillator is when a diatomic molecule vibrates in a similar manner as two masses on a spring with a potential energy that is dependant on the square of the displacement from its resting state; however, the energy levels are recorded at evenly spaced values (Nave). The quantum harmonic oscillator is the quantum mechanical correlate of the simple harmonic oscillator. The process 1 probing action was first explained by John von Neumann, and is defined by Henry Stapp as “a psycho-physical event whose psychologically described part is an intentional action to probe nature in a way expected to elicit desired information� (Stapp, 2004). In other words, an outside observer causes a particle in an ambiguous quantum state to produce a
Quantum Consciousness 3 desired result. The Quantum Zeno effect is often defined by the adage of “a watched pot never boils” (Louis). The terminology is generally put into use in order to describe a class of effects where the consistent monitoring of a quantum system drastically slows down its dynamics. Naturalistic Dualism is the theory that consciousness should be approached as a fundamental of the universe, such as electro-magnetism, mass, and space-time. Presented by Dr. David Chalmers, it essentially states that consciousness is something more than brain function alone, and that it is indescribable in classic reductionist terminology. Literature Review The Failure of Classical Physics It is a general belief in the scientific community that consciousness is solely a function of the brain, if it in fact exists at all. The majority of scientists will inform you that your conscious thoughts are nothing more than the firing of neurons in a specific order and that there is nothing else. However, this view of consciousness is rather ill equipped to explain the “the phenomena of experience,” as opposed to the “easier” problems of awareness and information processing (Chalmers, 1996).
Because of this
deficiency of classical physics, scholars continue to search for this “experiential quality that characterizes our conscious thoughts, ideas, and feelings” (Stapp, 2008. p. 2). In order to approach this ‘explanatory gap’ (Chalmers, 1996), one must move beyond classical physics and acknowledge that quantum theory has long since replaced many of the basics of classical physics (Stapp, 2008). According to Dr. Henry Stapp of UC Berkeley, once we incorporate quantum theory into our analysis of how our conscious thoughts connect to the physically explainable world, the only problem that
Quantum Consciousness 4 remains is how to reconnect the laws of quantum physics to the concepts of the macroscopic world we interact with on a daily basis. Simple Harmonic Oscillators and the Quantum Zeno Effect According to Fell, Fernández, Klaver, Elger, and Fries, it has been revealed that there our ability to process information is linked quite closely to “synchronous ~ 40 H z oscillations of the electromagnetic field at many well separated brain sites” (Stapp, 2008. p. 2; Fell et al., 2003). As described by Dr. Stapp, this data directs us to the significance of the classically described SHO motions in our understanding of the physical properties of our conscious thought. Through this focus on the SHO motions, we are led to a potential bridge between the classic and contemporary worlds of physics. Through these ~ 40 H z oscillations, we can imply that the previously mentioned brain sites are in fact dynamically connected to one another and that the brain works more or less as would be expected by classical physics (Stapp, 2008). However, by looking at the quantum harmonic oscillator and comparing the equations of the two, we see a roughly indistinguishable quantum mechanical portrayal of the classical model. I have purposefully left out the appropriate mathematics involved in the above comparison so as to maintain a level of readability for my non-physics oriented readers, however, they can all be located in Dr. Stapp’s article A Model of the Quantum-Classical and Mind-Brain Connections, and of the Role of The Quantum Zeno Effect in the Physical Implementation of Conscious Intent. Due to the relationship between the quantum and classical models, we can now directly convert the brain into its quantum state, so long as such a SHO state is actively occurring in the brain (Stapp, 2008). Derived from this quantum state of the brain as well
Quantum Consciousness 5 as previously learned, trial and error based, ‘templates for action’ the observer then initiates the process 1 probing action, in order to move information the observer has received into their stream of consciousness (Stapp, 2008; Stapp, 2004). Each query produced by this probing action correlates to a psychological projection into the future, specifying what the brain’s computed “expectation” of what the feedback will be. Without these probing actions, or observer interference, the brain would be in a state where it would constantly be in flux, due to quantum uncertainties created by the extremely narrow ion channels within the brain, and any potential answer to a query would be both yes and no. However, by including the process 1 actions, quantum mechanics naturally includes a way of reaching an outcome from this Schrödinger equation based cloud of possibilities and is thus able to connect to human experience. In order for any of this to even begin to be considered as a potential source for our conscious thought, this process 1 probing action obviously needs to be able to occur for some sort of extended period of time. However, neither the classical nor quantum model provides for the conscious ability to think for long periods of time. This is where the Quantum Zeno effect then enters the equation. Through the use of well timed and frequent probing actions, process 1 slows down the oscillations and holds in place the state being probed. If in fact the probing actions come repeatedly, and at a suitably short enough time period, then the affected brain states become forced to follow the expected trajectory (Stapp, 2008). During the 2004 Survival of Bodily Death Conference, Dr. Stapp said that this effect is a non-local process that acts upon some restricted part of the brain, and that steady and unrelenting mental attention, revealed to us as ~ 40 H z oscillations, activates this sequence of Process 1 events (Stapp, 2004).
Quantum Consciousness 6 Some controversy remains as to just who or what this observer is in von Neumann’s original work. Dr. Stapp, as early as 2004, would merely state that it is nonlocal and has no definite origin within the brain. However, many individuals might argue that this process 1 might be able to extend beyond the brain, to other bodies and things as well. At the time, Stapp also stated that he himself had not committed to a particular view, but that there are many ways to answer this question. It may be a sort of “soul” is in fact vital to the choices made in these probing actions, or that a fully mechanical explanation may someday arise. However, in his paper A Model of the QuantumClassical and Mind-Brain Connections, and of the Role of The Quantum Zeno Effect in the Physical Implementation of Conscious Intent, Dr. Stapp states that “according to the development of the theory of von Neumann, the brain does most of the work” (Stapp, 2008. p. 7). Experiments Involving Quantum Consciousness and the Zeno Effect According to experimentation done by Conte, Khrennikov, Todarello, Federici, and Zbilut, it appears that mental states associated with analyzing ambiguous figures follow the laws of quantum mechanics (Conte et al., 2008). When presented with such an ambiguous image, it was revealed using an EEG and an fMRI that conscious detection of visual changes occurs in both the parietal and frontal lobes of the subject’s brain. It has been shown that these same areas are used when the subject is involved in perceptual switching experiments (Conte et al., 2008). Through extensive experimentation and mathematical formulas it is shown that humans “potentially experience multiple representations of a given choice situation but can attend to only one representation at any given time via a quantum mechanical jump” (Conte et al, 2008. p. 6).
Quantum Consciousness 7 Other recent experiments have been conducted in order to discover how it is that birds, amphibians, and marine species are able to navigate the globe so efficiently (Kominis, 2008). It has been recently discovered that the Quantum Zeno effect may have a significant role to play in this biological compass. It appears that within the retina of these species, a particular chemical output is dependent on whether the radical electrons found therein appear in a singlet or triplet state. Apparently magnetic fields produce a prejudice towards the triplet state, leading to a preference towards one output over another. The testing involved using magnetic fields specifically designed to affect the navigational abilities of such birds as robins. The only problem is that this ion recombination generally occurs too quickly for a magnetic field such as the Earth’s to affect it. According to Dr. Kominis, the existence of the geomagnetic field extends the lifetime of the reaction to be long enough for the Earth’s magnetic fields to affect the outcome (Kominis, 2008.). Dr. Kominis also leaves room for discussion in the fact that similar effects occur in photosynthetic reactions, and whether or not there is a relation between this and more sophisticated biological behavior, such as consciousness (Kominis, 2008). Critical Evaluation While it has been shown here that strong evidence is beginning to be discovered in support of a quantum theory of consciousness, there are still many doubts that anything beyond the reductionist model of the brain is truly necessary. One argument that can be seen in opposition to this quantum theory points out the similarity between the biological structures of the brain and any other structure that contains such ion channels. Dr. Stapp points out that this same principal is in fact not unique to the brain, but instead of seeing
Quantum Consciousness 8 this as a problem, he points out that it is possible that the body as a whole is a quantum mechanical system (Stapp, 2004). However, this still poses a problem for many scientists, such as Litt, Eliasmith, Kroon, Weinstein, and Thagard, who ask “are we to believe that carrots and rutabagas also exhibit quantum computation, or are conscious?� (Litt et al, 2005. p. 5). Personally, I believe that trees more than likely make for much better conscious life forms than many people do. Why is it that people have such a problem when presented with the thought that humans, let alone animals, are not quite as unique as we would like to think we are? I personally view the idea that we are the only conscious beings on the planet as a remnant of early religious and philosophical thought that the human race is somehow special in the universe, and that everything revolves around us. It is entirely plausible to me that the tree turns its leaves up during a storm because it is thirsty and that it experiences itself photosynthesizing the sun’s rays. Another argument posed by Litt and his colleagues is that quantum computation or consciousness is too complex to have naturally developed through evolution. They pose that trying to explain consciousness through contemporary physics is like trying to explain bird flight through the characteristics of atomic bonds (Litt et al., 2005). However, they pose no real evidence that experience is describable by the classic physical description of the brain, instead stating that the burden of proof is on those who would argue against these classically based alternatives. The work of Litt et al also makes a number of references to the theories of the reductionist couple, the Churchlands, who pose that the brain is easily describable in the terms of a classical computer. I bring this up because, while at the Survival of Bodily
Quantum Consciousness 9 Death conference, Dr. Stapp was presented with the irony that he himself follows the theories of von Neumann, whom the Churchlands believe supports their view of how consciousness is produced by the brain, when describing his own theories. Stapp responds to this by stating that von Neumann was quite explicit in saying that the human brain in no way acts like a classically based computer would (Stapp, 2004). Another argument that is generally presented against the theories quantum consciousness is that the brain is far too wet and warm for such effects to occur. This argument, however, is based off of Penrose and Hameroff’s models of quantum consciousness, known as quantum coherence or Orchestrated Objective Reduction (OrchOR). However, the difference between Dr. Stapp’s model and that of Penrose and Hameroff is that the Orch-OR model relies on the collapse of a wave function and that the warmth of the human brain is too great for quantum states to last long enough to be relevant to consciousness. Dr. Stapp’s model instead works directly from the precepts of von Neumann’s quantum theory where as their theory is based off of each others’ own theories. Naturalistic Dualism As described above, it has been shown that if Dr. Stapp’s model of consciousness should ultimately prove accurate, it potentially poses as a strong support for the theory of Naturalistic Dualism presented by Dr. David Chalmers. As the biological structures described by Dr. Stapp can be found in life across the planet, and not just within the brain, it becomes increasingly possible that all life is at some level conscious. Due to the fact that this model is so closely linked to electromagnetic
Quantum Consciousness 10 oscillations within the brain, it would not be surprising if the fundamental Dr. Chalmers has been searching for was hidden just under his nose this entire time. Dr. Stapp’s model, should it be proven correct, would also evoke serious revelations in the field of artificial intelligence. Since it is still unknown where the process 1 actions originate, it will be difficult at first to truly make any advances. However, if process 1 actions are shown to be self-contained within the brain, then it may be possible to replicate the same effect by reproducing these ion channels when creating more advanced computers. Of course, that is unless machines are not already at some level conscious (as Dr. Chalmers has been known to argue). Another potential revelation that may come about from this research is that of a global consciousness. If, as Dr. Stapp has implied, we are in fact quantum beings, and consciousness is produced through quantum mechanics, is it not possible that more than just our own atoms are interconnected? I believe that should this area of research progress, that it may be more than possible that it will be discovered that either the Earth as a whole may in fact be some sort of greater conscious being, or that the Hindu belief of Brahman is in fact quite accurate. A Connection to Eastern Tradition and Thought The Hindu idea of Brahman is that of an ultimate reality transcendent of this world we experience on a daily basis. Enlightenment occurs wherein one realizes that we are all interconnected and in fact each and every person is themselves not only part of Brahman, but that each of us is in fact Brahman as well. This idea of global consciousness connects quite easily with this concept of all life being part of one superior being or reality. However, this is not the only Eastern tradition that quantum physics can
Quantum Consciousness 11 so easily connect to. Buddhism is also quite compatible with this thought that there could in fact be no true self, and that we are all potentially part of a global consciousness made up of billions of individual parts. Conclusion In order to conclude this work, I would like to pose a few questions for future study. The information discovered during the research has proven to be quite thorough and highly compatible with my previous views of the world; however there is always more that can be looked into, such as:
• Who/What is the observer in process 1 probing actions? • If these actions prove to be separate from the brain, where do they come from? • What other experiments could be performed in order to prove this theory to be accurate or inaccurate?
• What other kinds of experiments could be performed without looking directly at the brain at a microscopic level?
• How possible could it be to perform tests on brains without crossing certain moral boundaries such as reviving a dead brain, or using subjects who have suffered irreversible brain damage and are no longer able to function without life support?
Quantum Consciousness 12 Chalmers, D. J. (1996). The Conscious Mind: In search of a fundamental theory. Oxford, NY: Oxford University Press. Conte, E. K. (2008). A Conclusive Experimentation Evidences that mental States Follow Quantum. Retrieved from Arxiv.org e-Print archive: http://aps.arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/0802/0802.1835.pdf Fell, J. F. (2003). Is synchronized neuronal gamma activity relevant for selective attention? Brain Research Reviews , 265-271. Kominis, I. K. (2008). Quantum Zeno Effect Underpinning the Radical-Ion-Pair Mechanism of Avian Magnetoreception. Retrieved 2009, from ArXiv.org e-Print archive: http://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/0804/0804.2646.pdf Litt, A. E. (2005). Is the brain a quantum computer? Cognitive Science (XX), 1-11. Louis, A. (n.d.). The Quantum Zeno Effect. Retrieved April 26, 2009, from http://www.lassp.cornell.edu/ardlouis/dissipative/Quantum_Zeno.html Nave, R. (n.d.). Quantum Harmonic Oscillator. Retrieved April 26, 2009, from http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/hosc.html Stapp, H. (2008). A Model of the Quantum-Classical and Mind-Brain Connections, and of the Role of The Quantum Zeno Effect in the Physical Implementation of Conscious Intent. Retrieved from http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/0803/0803.1633v1.pdf Stapp, H. (2004). Quantum Physics and Psycho-Physical Nature of the Universe. Esalen Center for Theory and Research. Big Sur, California. http://www.esalenctr.org/display/confpage.cfm? confid=19&pageid=146&pgtype=1.
Quantum Consciousness 13 Weisstein, E. W. (n.d.). Simple Harmonic Oscillator. Retrieved April 26, 2009, from ScienceWorld: http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/SimpleHarmonicOscillator.html