Is the Brain Analogous to a Quantum Measuring Apparatus?

Abstract

Researchers have suggested since the early days of quantum theory that there are strong analogies between quantum phenomena and mental phenomena and these have developed into a vibrant new field of quantum cognition during recent decades. After revisiting some early analogies by Niels Bohr and David Bohm, this paper focuses upon Bohm and Hiley's ontological interpretation of quantum theory which suggests further analogies between quantum phenomena and biological and psychological phenomena. For example, they propose that there is an analogy between the way information contained in the so called quantum potential guides a quantum particle, and the way information at other levels of organisation guides physical processes (e.g. information in the DNA molecule guides protein construction and information in our subjective experience (e.g. when reading a map) can guide our physical actions). In some ways going back to Bohr's early suggestions, they also proposed that the human brain might be analogous to a quantum measuring apparatus, in the way it manifests and reveals aspects of the subtle quantum world in the classical sub-world we find in our every-day experience. In this paper I will discuss some of the new possibilities for understanding the mind and conscious experience opened up by Bohm and Hiley's approach and the analogies they propose to illustrate its relevance. Finally I will also consider, from a quantum perspective, Hintikka's suggestion that Kant's notion of things in themselves can be be better understood by making an analogy between our knowledge-seeking activities and an elaborate measuring apparatus.

Researchers have suggested since the early days of quantum theory that there are strong analogies between quantum and mental phenomena and these have developed into a vibrant new field of quantum cognition. After revisiting some early analogies by Bohr and Bohm, this paper focuses upon Bohm and Hiley's ontological interpretation of quantum theory which suggests further similar analogies. For example, they propose that there is an analogy between the way information contained in the so called quantum potential guides a quantum particle, and the way information at other levels of organisation guides physical processes They also proposed that the human brain might be analogous to a quantum measuring apparatus, in the way it manifests and reveals aspects of the subtle quantum world in the classical sub-world we find in our every-day experience. In this paper I will discuss some of the new possibilities for understanding the mind and conscious experience opened up by Bohm and Hiley's approach and the analogies they propose to illustrate its relevance. Finally I will also consider, from a quantum perspective, Hintikka's suggestion that Kant's notion of things in themselves can be be better understood by making an analogy between our knowledge-seeking activities and an elaborate measuring apparatus.