The Quantum-Classical and Mind-Brain Linkages: The Quantum Zeno Effect in Binocular Rivalry

TL;DR

This paper explores how the quantum Zeno effect may influence perception and brain dynamics, challenging the idea that decoherence prevents quantum effects in the brain, and applies a quantum theory to binocular rivalry data.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum mechanical framework based on von Neumann's measurement theory to explain perception, emphasizing the role of the quantum Zeno effect in brain dynamics.

Findings

Quantum Zeno effect can explain perceptual phenomena.

Decoherence does not necessarily eliminate quantum effects in the brain.

Quantum theory fits empirical binocular rivalry data well.

Abstract

A quantum mechanical theory of the relationship between perceptions and brain dynamics based on von Neumann's theory of measurments is applied to a recent quantum theoretical treatment of binocular rivaly that makes essential use of the quantum Zeno effect to give good fits to the complex available empirical data. The often-made claim that decoherence effects in the warm, wet, noisy brain must eliminate quantum effects at the macroscopic scale pertaining to perceptions is examined, and it is argued, on the basis of fundamental principles. that the usual decoherence effects will not upset the quantum Zeno effect that is being exploited in the cited work.