On a Model of Quantum Mechanics and the Mind

TL;DR

This paper critiques Stapp's quantum Zeno effect model for mind/matter interaction, highlighting its circular reasoning, and proposes an alternative quantum-based approach to understanding consciousness.

Contribution

It identifies circularity in Stapp's model and offers a new quantum-inspired framework for studying consciousness.

Findings

Stapp's model is circular in explaining mind/matter interaction.

A solution to the circularity problem is proposed by Kathryn Laskey.

An alternative quantum approach to consciousness is introduced.

Abstract

In this paper I discuss Stapp's (2014) interesting proposal of using the Quantum Zeno Effect to account for the mind/matter interaction. In particular, I discuss some of the motivations for it, and then argue that, in his current version, his model is circular (a solution to this, proposed by Kathryn Laskey, is presented), insofar as the mind/matter problem is concerned. I also present an alternative approach to some of the appealing aspects of using quantum mechanics to think about consciousness.