ABSTRACT
An analysis of the measurement problem of quantum theory points to the need to introduce consciousness, per se, into physics. Conversely, an analysis of the mind-brain problem of cogsci/neuroscience/psychology and philosophy-of-mind points to the need to introduce quantum theory into our treatment of the human mind/brain: an adequate theory of the mind/brain should make a person’s conscious thoughts, per se, efficacious, and, in particular, allow his descriptions of the quality and content of his conscious thoughts to flow dynamically from the quality and content of these thoughts themselves. These demands cannot be met within the ontologically and dynamically monistic conceptualization of the world provided by classical-mechanics, but are achievable in a natural way within a dualistic quantum-mechanical conceptualization of nature. A causal quantum mechanical theory of the mind/brain that meets these demands is described.
Invited paper for the conference:
Toward a Scientific Theory of Consciousness 1996
University of Arizona, Tucson, April, 1996.
