Quantum mechanics and the consciousness constraint

Goff, Philip

doi:10.1093/oso/9780197501665.003.0006

Quantum mechanics and the consciousness constraint

Goff, Philip

Authors

Professor Philip Goff philip.a.goff@durham.ac.uk
Professor

Contributors

Shan Gao
Editor

Abstract

This chapter argues that wave function monism – a popular theory of the ontology of quantum mechanics – cannot be true, on the grounds that its truth is inconsistent with the reality of consciousness. According to wave function monism, fundamental physical reality consists of a complex-valued field in a high-dimensional space. Building on a specific analysis of the grounding relationship, this chapter bolsters the challenge faced by wave function monism in accounting for ordinary physical objects, before arguing that its failure to account for ordinary physical objects entails a failure to account for consciousness. The argument does not assume either a materialist or an anti-materialist view of consciousness.

Citation

Goff, P. (2022). Quantum mechanics and the consciousness constraint. In S. Gao (Ed.), Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics (117-139). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197501665.003.0006

Acceptance Date	Nov 24, 2020
Online Publication Date	Jul 18, 2022
Publication Date	2022-07
Deposit Date	Nov 24, 2020
Publicly Available Date	Jul 19, 2024
Publisher	Oxford University Press
Pages	117-139
Book Title	Consciousness and Quantum Mechanics
ISBN	9780197501665
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197501665.003.0006
Public URL	https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1649957