Quanta and Qualia

TL;DR

This paper explores the possibility that conscious observers might subtly deviate from standard quantum dynamics, motivating new experiments to investigate consciousness within quantum physics.

Contribution

It proposes a hypothesis that consciousness could cause slight deviations in quantum behavior, encouraging a broader experimental investigation.

Findings

Suggests conscious observers may influence quantum dynamics

Motivates new quantum experiments involving observers

Highlights the need for empirical tests of consciousness in quantum physics

Abstract

I sketch a line of thought about consciousness and physics that gives some motivation for the hypothesis that conscious observers deviate - perhaps only very subtly and slightly - from quantum dynamics. Although it is hard to know just how much credence to give this line of thought, it does motivate a stronger and more comprehensive programme of quantum experiments involving quantum observers.