Putting Mind Back into Nature: A Tribute to Henry P. Stapp

TL;DR

This paper honors Henry P. Stapp's pioneering work on the role of consciousness in quantum mechanics, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary exploration of mind's fundamental role in nature.

Contribution

It highlights the importance of integrating consciousness into quantum theory and encourages cross-disciplinary research linking physics, neuroscience, and psychology.

Findings

Quantum mechanics implies a central role for mind.

Interdisciplinary approaches are essential for understanding consciousness.

Encourages empirical and theoretical research on mind in quantum physics.

Abstract

Henry Stapp has for 60 years been a leader, perhaps the leader, in exploring the role of mind (psyche, consciousness, experience) in the ontology of quantum mechanics. Henry's contention is that the very structure of quantum mechanics implies a central and irreducible role for mind: an experiential aspect of nature distinct from that of the physical matter and energy described by the dynamical equations of physics. The task then becomes generating interest across disciplines in the exploration of this thesis, and in particular to seek connections with neuroscience and with empirical psychology.