Non-Computability of Consciousness

TL;DR

This paper argues that some aspects of consciousness cannot be fully simulated by classical computation, demonstrating a quantum phenomenon that involves non-computable elements, thus challenging the idea that all conscious activities are computational.

Contribution

It introduces a model showing that certain conscious phenomena are inherently non-computable, highlighting the role of quantum effects in consciousness.

Findings

A quantum model of consciousness involves non-computable elements.

Classical computation cannot fully represent certain conscious phenomena.

Quantum effects are essential for some aspects of consciousness.

Abstract

With the great success in simulating many intelligent behaviors using computing devices, there has been an ongoing debate whether all conscious activities are computational processes. In this paper, the answer to this question is shown to be no. A certain phenomenon of consciousness is demonstrated to be fully represented as a computational process using a quantum computer. Based on the computability criterion discussed with Turing machines, the model constructed is shown to necessarily involve a non-computable element. The concept that this is solely a quantum effect and does not work for a classical case is also discussed.