A Consciousness-Based Quantum Objective Collapse Model

TL;DR

This paper proposes a consciousness-based quantum collapse model where wave function collapse depends on integrated information, linking consciousness to quantum state reduction without invoking non-material entities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel objective collapse model where collapse operators depend on integrated information, connecting consciousness with quantum mechanics in a materialistic framework.

Findings

Superpositions of conscious states are dynamically suppressed.

The model is empirically adequate and consistent with materialism.

It offers a detailed account of consciousness-related wave function collapse.

Abstract

Ever since the early days of quantum mechanics it has been suggested that consciousness could be linked to the collapse of the wave function. However, no detailed account of such an interplay is usually provided. In this paper we present an objective collapse model (a variation of CSL) where the collapse operator depends on integrated information, which has been argued to measure consciousness. By doing so, we construct an empirically adequate scheme in which superpositions of conscious states are dynamically suppressed. Unlike other proposals in which "consciousness causes the collapse of the wave function," our model is fully consistent with a materialistic view of the world and does not require the postulation of entities suspicious of laying outside of the quantum realm.