Lecture on Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics

Introduction

• Speaker: Roger
• Background: Doctorate in neurophysiology
• Topic: Exploring consciousness at the quantum level instead of traditional neuronal activities.

Traditional View of Consciousness

• Consciousness typically explained through neuronal activities.
• Focus on synapses, neuronal spiking, and generalized brain electrical activity.
• Assumption: Consciousness must be explained at the level of neuronal behavior.

Quantum Mechanics and Consciousness

• Roger's Perspective: Real activity possibly occurs at the quantum level.
• Reasoning: Understanding is non-computational, requiring non-computational physics.
• Gap: How quantum systems transition to classical systems remains a significant puzzle.

Quantum to Classical Transition

• Missing physics in the transition might be non-computational.
• Brain must sustain a quantum system to leverage this new physics.
• Challenge: Quantum systems often become environmentally decoherent, losing relevant information.

Microtubules and Quantum Coherence

• Stuart Hameroff’s Contribution: Proposed microtubules as a potential site for quantum coherence.
• Microtubules: Small, symmetrical structures potentially capable of maintaining quantum coherence.
• Initial Skepticism: Roger was initially unfamiliar with microtubules, but found the idea promising after further investigation.

Neuronal Influence and Synaptic Strength

• Microtubules possibly control synaptic strength and maintain global coherence during conscious will.
• Global coherence could involve the concerted action of many neurons, not limited to a single microtubule.

Quantum Mechanics in the Brain

• Need for coherence in quantum mechanics to influence neuronal behavior.
• Objective Reduction (OR): Quantum state collapses to one alternative; must be orchestrated globally.
• Classical expression necessary for neuronal impulse and consciousness.

Opposing Views on Consciousness and Quantum Physics

• Some theories suggest consciousness reduces quantum states, opposing Roger's view.
• Eugene Wigner's View: Consciousness reduces quantum states; Schrodinger's cat is an example.
• Roger's View: Consciousness emerges from physical processes in the universe.

Consciousness as Fundamental

• Some argue consciousness is a fundamental, irreducible aspect of the world.
• Quantum mechanics might need consciousness to explain certain phenomena.

Conclusion

• Roger's Stance: Consciousness emerges from physics required for other reasons, without needing conscious intervention in quantum mechanics.
• Rejection of the belief in a cosmic consciousness affecting quantum mechanics.

Final Thoughts

• Discussion on quantum mechanics remains ongoing and multifaceted.
• Various interpretations exist regarding consciousness and its relationship to quantum physics.