Attention, Intention, and Will in Quantum Physics
Henry Stapp
Henry Stapp
Quote:Adherence to the quantum principles yields a dynamical theory of the mind/brain/body system that is in close accord with our intuitive idea of what we are. In particular, the need for a self-observing quantum system to pose certain questions creates a causal opening that allows mind/brain dynamics to have three distinguishable but interlocked causal processes, one micro-local, one stochastic, and the third experiential.
Quote:My thesis here is that the difficulty with the traditional attempts to understand the mind-brain system lies primarily with the physics assumptions,and only secondarily with the philosophy: once the physics assumptions are rectified the philosophy will take care of itself. A correct understanding of the mind/matter connection cannot be based on a conception of the physical aspects of nature that is profoundly mistaken precisely at the critical point,namely the role of consciousness in the dynamics of physical systems.
'Historically, we may regard materialism as a system of dogma set up to combat orthodox dogma...Accordingly we find that, as ancient orthodoxies disintegrate, materialism more and more gives way to scepticism.'
- Bertrand Russell
- Bertrand Russell