Quantum Information and the Mind-Body Problem

TL;DR

This paper explores the mind-body problem through quantum information theory, proposing that physicality is defined by information exchange and suggesting that consciousness and perception can be understood within a quantum framework.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum information perspective to the mind-body problem, emphasizing interaction as physicality and linking quantum entanglement to perception and consciousness.

Findings

Physicality is defined by interaction as correlated information exchange.

Quantum entanglement is related to information transfer and perception.

The mind may be understood within a quantum theoretical framework.

Abstract

The mind-body problem is reviewed in the context of a non-technical account of quantum information theory. The importance of clearly defining: `what is physical?' is highlighted, since only then can we give meaning to the concept `non-physical'. Physicality is defined in terms of interaction, which is in turn defined to be a correlated exchange of information. This is asserted to be the basis of any meaningful concept of epistemology. Hence, it is argued that a non-physical entity can not `know' anything about the world. Information transfer is then discussed in terms of quantum entanglement and an argument for our perception of time is presented. It is then contended that the notion of `mind' may be meaningfully discussed in the context of a quantum theoretic framework.