Mindful Universe [electronic resource] : Quantum Mechanics and the Participating Observer /
Stapp, Henry P.author.
The classical mechanistic idea of nature that prevailed in science during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was an essentially mindless conception: the physically described aspects of nature were asserted to be completely determined by prior physically described aspects alone, with our conscious experiences entering only passively. During the twentieth century the classical concepts were found to be inadequate. In the new theory, quantum mechanics, our conscious experiences enter into the dynamics in specified ways not fixed by the physically described aspects alone. Consequences of this radical change in our understanding of the connection between mind and brain are described. "Stapp's book is a bold and original attack on the problem of consciousness and free will based on the openings provided by the laws of quantum mechanics. This is a serious and interesting attack on a truly fundamental problem." Tony Leggett [Physics Nobel Laureate, 2003] "Stapp's wide-ranging proposal offers stimulating reading, a strong sense of conceptual coherence and intuitive appeal, and empirical predictions that deserve to be refined and tested." Harald Atmanspacher "A highly readable book of genuine wisdom by one of the foremost minds for our generation." Allan Combs.
Description based upon print version of record.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [187]-194) and index.
Science, Consciousness and Human Values -- Human Knowledge as the Foundation of Science -- Actions, Knowledge, and Information -- Nerve Terminals and the Need to Use Quantum Theory -- Templates for Action -- The Physical Effectiveness of Conscious Will and the Quantum Zeno Effect -- Support from Contemporary Psychology -- Application to Neuropsychology -- Roger Penrose's Theory and Quantum Decoherence -- Non-Orthodox Versions of Quantum Theory and the Need for Process 1 -- The Basis Problem in Many-Worlds Theories -- Despised Dualism -- Whiteheadian Quantum Ontology -- Interview -- Consciousness and the Anthropic Questions -- Impact of Quantum Mechanics on Human Values -- Conclusions.
The classical mechanistic idea of nature that prevailed in science during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was an essentially mindless conception: the physically described aspects of nature were asserted to be completely determined by prior physically described aspects alone, with our conscious experiences entering only passively. During the twentieth century the classical concepts were found to be inadequate. In the new theory, quantum mechanics, our conscious experiences enter into the dynamics in specified ways not fixed by the physically described aspects alone. Consequences of this radical change in our understanding of the connection between mind and brain are described. "Stapp's book is a bold and original attack on the problem of consciousness and free will based on the openings provided by the laws of quantum mechanics. This is a serious and interesting attack on a truly fundamental problem." Tony Leggett [Physics Nobel Laureate, 2003] "Stapp's wide-ranging proposal offers stimulating reading, a strong sense of conceptual coherence and intuitive appeal, and empirical predictions that deserve to be refined and tested." Harald Atmanspacher "A highly readable book of genuine wisdom by one of the foremost minds for our generation." Allan Combs.
Quantum physics.
Philosophy.
Popular works.
Quantum Physics.
Philosophy, general.
Popular Science, general.
Frontiers Collection