Quantum mechanics needs no consciousness (and the other way around)

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the proposed link between consciousness and quantum mechanics, providing empirical tests that challenge the idea that consciousness causes wave function collapse and exploring the implications for both fields.

Contribution

It formulates testable predictions about the consciousness-quantum relationship and evaluates existing evidence, ultimately arguing against the necessity of consciousness in quantum measurement.

Findings

Existing experimental results suggest falsification of consciousness-induced wave function collapse

The proposed symmetrical explanation of quantum mechanics and consciousness is not supported by current evidence

Constraints are discussed on the role of consciousness in quantum mechanics based on empirical data

Abstract

It has been suggested that consciousness plays an important role in quantum mechanics as it is necessary for the collapse of wave function during the measurement. Furthermore, this idea has spawned a symmetrical proposal: a possibility that quantum mechanics explains the emergence of consciousness in the brain. Here we formulated several predictions that follow from this hypothetical relationship and that can be empirically tested. Some of the experimental results that are already available suggest falsification of the first hypothesis. Thus, the suggested link between human consciousness and collapse of wave function does not seem viable. We discuss the constraints implied by the existing evidence on the role that the human observer may play for quantum mechanics and the role that quantum mechanics may play in the observer's consciousness.