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Mindful Universe: Quantum Mechanics and the Participating Observer
The classical mechanistic idea of nature that prevailed during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was essentially the physically described aspects of nature were asserted to be completely determined by prior physically described aspects alone, with conscious experiences entering only passively. In the last century these classical concepts were found inadequate. In the new quantum mechanics theory, conscious experiences enter into the dynamics in specified ways not fixed by physically described aspects alone.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
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January 17, 2011Henry Stapp is well known for his complex theoretical discourses on the nature of the mind and brain. A distinguished quantum physicist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Stapp has been exploring these topics for over 50 years.
Stapp works to establish the case that a causal gap within quantum theory makes it an open system into which free choice can enter. He draws heavily on theories involving “the interplay between the psychologically and physically described components of mind-brain dynamics, as it is understood within the orthodox (von Neumann-Heisenberg) quantum framework”. Stapp draws on and extends von Neumann’s process 1 and 2 theories, adding a process 0 to represent the process which determines the free choice on the part of the experimenter, noting:
"It is the absence from orthodox quantum theory of any description on the workings of process zero that constitutes the causal gap in contemporary orthodox physical theory. It is this ‘latitude’ offered by the quantum formalism, in connection with the freedom of experimentation, that blocks the causal closure of the physical."
Stapp also adds a process 3 to represent the process that selects the probing action. Taken together, processes 0-3 represent the major components of how Stapp views the practical, empirical ontology of quantum theory.
Stapp sets out to transform the brain from a classical to a quantum system. He chooses to attack this by striking at the lowest level of physiological brain function. Drawing on a brief background discussion of cloudlike forms, harmonic oscillation, and the double-slit experiment to introduce the necessity of the brain’s nerve terminals and calcium ion channels being quantum in nature, Stapp argues that because these foundational components are best understood in quantum terms the brain itself must be treated as a quantum system.
Stapp introduces his action template theory involving microscopic brain states capable of producing particular actions if held for a sufficient length of time. He links such actions to von Neumann’s process 1:
"Whether or not the ‘Yes’ component is actualized is determined by ‘nature’ on the basis of a statistical law. So the effectiveness of the ‘free choice’ of this process 1 in achieving the desired end would generally be quite limited. The net effect of this ‘free choice’ would tend to be nullified by the randomness in nature’s choice between ‘Yes’ and its negation ‘No’."
His own theory addresses this problem by drawing on the quantum Zeno effect. One feature of the dynamical rules of quantum theory allows for a stabilization of sorts regarding actions if a string of process 1 events can occur in rapid succession. Essentially if the initial process 1 request is selected by the outcome of the quantum event this action can be held in place by a rapid number of additional similar requests. Stapp believes that this rapid series of additional requests requires mental effort. Here he reaches back to find a kindred spirit in William James.
Stapp reviews recent developments in neuropsychology that support his view. For example, he notes that empirical evidence seems to suggest that conscious effort is correlated with brain activity. According to quantum mechanics, the microscopic uncertainties must rationally be expected to produce macroscopic variations that need to be cut back by quantum reductions.
Consistent with his Jamesian view of cognition, Stapp argues for the quantum brain as a “collection of classically conceived alternative possible states of the brain” all existing as parallel parts of “a potentiality for future additions to a stream of consciousness”.
Overall, this book is a rigorous and demanding reflection drawn from a lifetime of thought by one of the leading theoretical physicists of our day.
By Allan Combs and Jeffery Martin SCR, June 24, 2007 (Allan Combs and Jeffery Martin work at the California Institute of Integral Studies)
Stapp works to establish the case that a causal gap within quantum theory makes it an open system into which free choice can enter. He draws heavily on theories involving “the interplay between the psychologically and physically described components of mind-brain dynamics, as it is understood within the orthodox (von Neumann-Heisenberg) quantum framework”. Stapp draws on and extends von Neumann’s process 1 and 2 theories, adding a process 0 to represent the process which determines the free choice on the part of the experimenter, noting:
"It is the absence from orthodox quantum theory of any description on the workings of process zero that constitutes the causal gap in contemporary orthodox physical theory. It is this ‘latitude’ offered by the quantum formalism, in connection with the freedom of experimentation, that blocks the causal closure of the physical."
Stapp also adds a process 3 to represent the process that selects the probing action. Taken together, processes 0-3 represent the major components of how Stapp views the practical, empirical ontology of quantum theory.
Stapp sets out to transform the brain from a classical to a quantum system. He chooses to attack this by striking at the lowest level of physiological brain function. Drawing on a brief background discussion of cloudlike forms, harmonic oscillation, and the double-slit experiment to introduce the necessity of the brain’s nerve terminals and calcium ion channels being quantum in nature, Stapp argues that because these foundational components are best understood in quantum terms the brain itself must be treated as a quantum system.
Stapp introduces his action template theory involving microscopic brain states capable of producing particular actions if held for a sufficient length of time. He links such actions to von Neumann’s process 1:
"Whether or not the ‘Yes’ component is actualized is determined by ‘nature’ on the basis of a statistical law. So the effectiveness of the ‘free choice’ of this process 1 in achieving the desired end would generally be quite limited. The net effect of this ‘free choice’ would tend to be nullified by the randomness in nature’s choice between ‘Yes’ and its negation ‘No’."
His own theory addresses this problem by drawing on the quantum Zeno effect. One feature of the dynamical rules of quantum theory allows for a stabilization of sorts regarding actions if a string of process 1 events can occur in rapid succession. Essentially if the initial process 1 request is selected by the outcome of the quantum event this action can be held in place by a rapid number of additional similar requests. Stapp believes that this rapid series of additional requests requires mental effort. Here he reaches back to find a kindred spirit in William James.
Stapp reviews recent developments in neuropsychology that support his view. For example, he notes that empirical evidence seems to suggest that conscious effort is correlated with brain activity. According to quantum mechanics, the microscopic uncertainties must rationally be expected to produce macroscopic variations that need to be cut back by quantum reductions.
Consistent with his Jamesian view of cognition, Stapp argues for the quantum brain as a “collection of classically conceived alternative possible states of the brain” all existing as parallel parts of “a potentiality for future additions to a stream of consciousness”.
Overall, this book is a rigorous and demanding reflection drawn from a lifetime of thought by one of the leading theoretical physicists of our day.
By Allan Combs and Jeffery Martin SCR, June 24, 2007 (Allan Combs and Jeffery Martin work at the California Institute of Integral Studies)
January 3, 2022
Disappointing. He makes a reasonable case that quantum effects must be significant at the level of ion channels in neurons. I was convinced, but for some reason he feels it necessary to rail against a Newtonian view of the brain.
Beyond this, things get complicated and its really hard to judge, eg. the scale of wave decoherence: is it at the scale of the entire brain? He throws around a lot of big names in physics and some fairly sophisticated concepts (eg Hilbert spaces) that didn't add to my understanding of the topic. I did come away with an understanding that some smart people (von Neumann, Heisenberg,.. ) have thought about consciousness, but its really hard to understand how the different views of Quantum Mechanics come in to play here. Perhaps its too complicated for a non-technical discussion.
Beyond this, things get complicated and its really hard to judge, eg. the scale of wave decoherence: is it at the scale of the entire brain? He throws around a lot of big names in physics and some fairly sophisticated concepts (eg Hilbert spaces) that didn't add to my understanding of the topic. I did come away with an understanding that some smart people (von Neumann, Heisenberg,.. ) have thought about consciousness, but its really hard to understand how the different views of Quantum Mechanics come in to play here. Perhaps its too complicated for a non-technical discussion.
January 4, 2021
Mind blowing. I must say if you read this book you’ll develop a basic understanding of quantum mechanics and your views of the world will never be the same agin. Deterministic classical-physics fail to explain the microscopic world as well as the mind-brain relationship. How can we explain free-well, subjective experiences, volition, cognitive behavioral therapy, self-directed neuro-plasticity… etc with determined laws of classical physics. What Henry Stapp offers in this book is first and foremost an acknowledgment to hundreds of years in the development of physics, second, a scientific proof that you are not a mechanical automaton and most importantly a rigorous theory to understand consciousness-brain relationship with contemporary physics. His theory basically brings human consciousness into the fundamental dynamics of our being. The theory beautifully and rationally connect the neurophysiological and psychological aspects of the conscious brain just like when you try to understand an electron in quantum mechanics . Henry is nicely explaining the theory, physics and mathematics to non-physicists with common terms. The theory is simple, your brain as quantum system can be in a superposition of brain patterns, the consciousness collapses/reduces this “wave-function” of your brain patterns to one compatible with your subjective experience, just like in the Copenhagen interpretation of QM. Truly enjoyed the discussion about the quantum Zeno effect and must admit it is a life changing. it implies that attention can hold a certain state of brain pattern (i.e, turn the brain into a “template of action”) in place just like when the observer effect holds a decaying atom from decaying.
The collapse events are “phsychophysical” having both the psychological aspect, corresponding to increment in knowledge and the associated reduction of the physically described ( wave packets; quantum states) to one compatible with the gain in knowledge. One might say this is crazy. But why?? We know Newton and Einstein laws failto explain many empirical data!! Einstein called the entanglement “spooky action at a distance” and he turned out to be wrong. And the only reason we don’t see quantum effects is because we have high momentum and hence low wavelength, but, as a part of this massive universe, you are smaller than an electron and hence in a superposition, might as well be in a parallel universe right now at some beach. Henry is very influenced by Heisnberg, Copenhagen Interpretation, Von Neumann mathematics and Whitehead’s ontology. if you don’t want to read the book but you find it interesting just skip to the interview in chapter 14.
The collapse events are “phsychophysical” having both the psychological aspect, corresponding to increment in knowledge and the associated reduction of the physically described ( wave packets; quantum states) to one compatible with the gain in knowledge. One might say this is crazy. But why?? We know Newton and Einstein laws failto explain many empirical data!! Einstein called the entanglement “spooky action at a distance” and he turned out to be wrong. And the only reason we don’t see quantum effects is because we have high momentum and hence low wavelength, but, as a part of this massive universe, you are smaller than an electron and hence in a superposition, might as well be in a parallel universe right now at some beach. Henry is very influenced by Heisnberg, Copenhagen Interpretation, Von Neumann mathematics and Whitehead’s ontology. if you don’t want to read the book but you find it interesting just skip to the interview in chapter 14.
July 2, 2016
I think I only grasped 50% or less of what this book is trying to detail but nonetheless loved it. The very idea of bringing consciousness back into play as an integral part of the core of "nature" was worth the struggle of trying to follow the author in his reasoning.
February 20, 2019
A fascinating book explained in such a way I could actually grasp the complex and non-intuitive world of quantum mechanics. Still dense and difficult in places due to the nature of the subject, but probably the best book I've read on the topic.
August 20, 2023
Great Book
This book is a golden tool for anyone wanting to study fundamental Quantum Physics without hidden information. Dr. Stapp is a great physicist and deserves to be recognized worldwide.
This book is a golden tool for anyone wanting to study fundamental Quantum Physics without hidden information. Dr. Stapp is a great physicist and deserves to be recognized worldwide.
February 23, 2024
less ridiculoous than Penrose's musings about consciousness and oh lets throw in quantum effects and golf balls.
Why golf balls you ask?
Why quantum theory!
But i did like Penrose's book on the quantum effects of feeling itchy.
funny actions at a distance!
Why golf balls you ask?
Why quantum theory!
But i did like Penrose's book on the quantum effects of feeling itchy.
funny actions at a distance!
August 1, 2013
This is by far the least sensational and most thorough and straight-forward exposition of quantum mechanics that I've come across. If you're serious about understanding the basic principles of quantum physics and how they relate to our subjective experience of reality then read this.
November 4, 2010
I absolutely LOVE conceptual physics and the ever changing landscape of what we "know" and/or believe about how our brains/mind and it all works!
March 9, 2013
Stimulating and interesting, but sketchy and question-begging.
August 17, 2014
Always a fascinating tale, the degree to which the quantum universe responds to/reflects our perception of it. Might be a little bit harder reading for some. Definitely a mind-bending journey.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews