On the causal efficacy of qualia: Philosophical zombies are fine-tuned, and implications for the quantum measurement theory
Adam Brownstein

TL;DR
This paper proposes that qualia have a causal role in quantum mechanics, affecting the beables or collapse process, and introduces a fine-tuning argument that challenges epiphenomenalism and the philosophical zombie hypothesis.
Contribution
It introduces a model where qualia influence quantum states and suggests fine-tuning as a test for consciousness, challenging traditional views on physicalism and epiphenomenalism.
Findings
Qualia can causally influence quantum processes.
Standard collapse models may need modification to account for qualia.
Fine-tuning of initial conditions explains the unlikelihood of philosophical zombies.
Abstract
We suggest that qualia have a causally efficacious role in quantum mechanics; an occurrence which explains how information about qualia can enter the physical environment. This is compatible with the unitary time-evolution of the quantum state if qualia are understood as effecting the beables of the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation or wavefunction collapse process rather than at the wavefunction level. We furthermore suggest that not all quantum states are consistent with qualia. If this is the case, the standard wavefunction collapse postulates of the Copenhagen interpretation will fail to select only those states which are consistent with qualia, and the Born-rule must be modified if wavefunction collapse is to generate the correct dynamical histories across time. This new model which includes qualia clearly demonstrates how non-linear and self-referential phenomena can occur, despite…
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Taxonomy
TopicsQuantum Mechanics and Applications · Philosophy and History of Science · Epistemology, Ethics, and Metaphysics
