A model of the quantum-classical and mind-brain connections, and of the role of the quantum Zeno effect in the physical implementation of conscious intent

TL;DR

This paper presents a solvable model linking classical perceptions and quantum brain dynamics, highlighting how the quantum Zeno effect enables conscious intent to influence brain activity despite environmental decoherence.

Contribution

It introduces a novel quantum-classical model of mind-brain interaction incorporating the quantum Zeno effect, grounded in measurement theory and empirical brain oscillation data.

Findings

Quantum Zeno effect can modulate brain activity.

Model demonstrates robustness against environmental decoherence.

Links conscious intent with measurable brain oscillations.

Abstract

A simple exactly solvable model is given of the dynamical coupling between a person's classically described perceptions and that person's quantum mechanically described brain. The model is based jointly upon von Neumann's theory of measurement and the empirical findings of close connections between conscious intentions and synchronous oscillations in well separated parts of the brain. A quantum-Zeno-effect-based mechanism is described that allows conscious intentions to influence brain activity in a functionally appropriate way. The robustness of this mechanism in the face of environmental decoherence effects is emphasized.