Is our Consciousness a Quantum System?

Is our Consciousness a Quantum System?

by Zayan Guedim

Some scientists think that the brain itself might be an organic quantum machine. This is the view of Matthew Fisher, a theoretical physicist at UC Santa Barbara.

After years of research into “quantum neuroscience”, Fisher is heading the newly launched Quantum Brain Project (QuBrain). This is an international research initiative which is setting out to ask one question, in Fisher’s own words:

“Might we, ourselves, be quantum computers, rather than just clever robots who are designing and building quantum computers?”

Until the QuBrain project runs its tests and reveals its results, there could be an interesting angle to discuss.

Going to post the article the Fisher quote comes from for ease of reference/reading:

Are We Quantum Computers?

by Sonia Fernandez

Some functions the brain performs continue to elude neuroscience — the substrate that “holds” very long-term memories and how it operates, for example. Quantum mechanics, which deals with the behavior of nature at atomic and subatomic levels, may be able to unlock some clues. And that in turn could have major implications on many levels, from quantum computing and materials sciences to biology, mental health and even what it is to be human.

The idea of quantum computing in our brains is not a new one. In fact, it has been making the rounds for a while with some scientists, as well as those with less scientific leanings. But Fisher, a world-renowned expert in the field of quantum mechanics, has identified a precise — and unique — set of biological components and key mechanisms that could provide the basis for quantum processing in the brain. With $1.2 million in grant funding over three years from the Heising-Simons Foundation, Fisher will launch the QuBrain collaboration at UCSB. Composed of an international team of leading scientists spanning quantum physics, molecular biology, biochemistry, colloid science and behavioral neuroscience, the project will seek explicit experimental evidence to answer whether we might in fact be quantum computers.

I wish them luck. However last time I read an interview with Fisher, he implied that if he didn’t find Quantum effects with his phosphorus/posner molecules idea, then QM effects in the brain could be ruled out. And I’ve become somewhat skeptical about his chances.

It is a bit odd that Fisher seemed quite certain it was his way or the highway on any theory of quantum mind in 2016.

Did he find any reason to keep searching in the intervening 2 years or so since he had these ideas?

I don't know... at the time I thought he had a very narrow interest and experience in this subject, which had only arisen from his own mental health issues and drug treatment... I got the feeling he hadn't explored the issue beyond his own expertise... which although narrow, is considerable.

I looked at his publication list and clicking on some of the 2017-2018 stuff it seemed he was, at best, refining his models. It is a bid odd that he manages to disparage Orch-Or without mentioning Anirban Bandyopadhyay's and his work w/ microtubules.

Any work in these arena could offer promise but I also have doubts Fisher is the man for the job.