CONSCIOUSNESS STUDIES AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
Abstract
The limitations and unsuitability of the
twentieth century intellectual marvel, the quantum mechanics for the task of
unraveling working of human consciousness is critically analyzed. The inbuilt traits
of the probabilistic, approximate and imprecise nature of quantum mechanical
approach are brought out.
The limitations and the unsuitability of using
such knowledge for the understanding of precise, correct, finite and definite happenings
of activities relating to human consciousness and mind, which are not quantum
in nature, are pointed out.
Analytical methods interpreting
philosophical and Indian spiritual analyses suiting the unraveling of working
of human consciousness and mind over the deductive approach of quantum physics
and advanced mathematics are highlighted. A model of human consciousness and
mental functions is presented taking ideas from the Upanishads and related
texts.
Comparisons with theological
interpretations of Upanishadic insight are dealt with to have an idea of
working of human consciousness and mind in relation to spirituality.
Key words: human
consciousness and quantum mechanics; theological interpretations of Upanishads
and related texts
Introduction
The study of the human consciousness, mind, their nature, structure
and function is generally believed to be a subject matter outside the realm of
the disciplines of physics and chemistry (Taylor and Green, 2002). Others feel
that the study of human consciousness belongs to the domain of philosophy and
psychology and concepts of physics and chemistry are not sufficient enough to explain
the nature, structure and function of human consciousness. Such feelings
convey that the consciousness of living organisms certainly cannot be described
in terms of physics and chemistry, even though the neurophysiologists can
describe the working of the single neuron in physicochemical terms.
Scientifically, human consciousness, knowing, perception, reasoning,
intellectual abilities, understanding, experience etc., are mental processes of
the vertebrate human-being, belonging to Homo sapiens species. Thus
human mental processes are biological, involving physicochemical energy
transitions and transformations relating to brain, spinal cord and the nervous
system (Guyton and Hall, 2004), Blakemore, 1977).
Mind, which is an expression and part of consciousness, is an aspect
of human body. Mind does all human
mental functions which are physiological processes. Thus psychology is
physiology.
As visualized by some, consciousness is the collection of millions
of neurons and their electrochemical states, even if we have no real knowledge
of chemical nature of thoughts and ideas.
According to them, we neither have understood completely how living
organisms originated and evolved. They feel that we may not be able to define
precisely what life is nor whence it came from.
All that we can do according to them is to describe the observable
phenomena that distinguish living from non-living matter.
Mathematics and modeling by computational activity can explain
understanding and consciousness. About 2300
years of philosophy, 100 years of mathematical logic and 50 years of
computational intelligence have been trying to understand human consciousness
and model its form and function, and still a clear model is eluding scientific
community (Perlovsky, 2001-chapters 11and 12). Theorems and other concepts
developed by Gödel, Turing, Penrose and Putnam on mind and machine have not
been sufficient to model intellect, understanding, experience and other mental
processes. (Perlovsky, 2001) and Penrose
(Perlovsky, 2001) sustain that the brain activity responsible for
conscious understanding must depend upon a physics that lies beyond
computational simulations.
Further, we are yet to formulate neural structures of consciousness.
“The Physics of spiritual substance” is yet to be proposed and develop. We have
also to understand the physics of the nature of free will and the creativity
mysteries. We have also to probe and determine whether consciousness is a
hitherto not known new physical phenomenon or otherwise. A future direction for this research lies in
the path to understand the physical nature of the symbol and emergence of
consciousness using many sources including spiritual expressions..
Many are also trying to bring in quantum mechanics to unravel the
working of human consciousness and mind and various types of approach to
understand human consciousness are proposed and discussed. A correlation of
these various propositions and discussions will be inherently influencing the
studies on human consciousness and mind.
This article deals just with the limitations and unsuitability of
quantum mechanical approach in human consciousness studies.
Upanishads,
quantum mechanics and Vedanta:
Ancient Indian
wisdom as revealed in the Upanishads has a lot to say about human
consciousness (Radhakrishnan, 1994, Ramabrahmam, 1997, 2004, 2005a, 2005b, 2007a,
2014, 2016). The expressions of the Upanishads, when translated into the modern scientific terms will
benefit the fields of physiological psychology; the natural language
comprehension branch of artificial intelligence, and the modeling of human
cognition, language communication and understanding processes. In addition the
expressions of seers and Vedantins can also be analyzed.
It is the
philosophical belief of the physicalists that a phenomenon has to be reduced to
its smallest components to achieve a complete explanation. This is generally
interpreted as meaning that explanation could be achieved only at the lowest
level of organization. This conclusion would be particularly disturbing for
biologists, because at the lowest levels of organization such a reduction
abandons biology, human consciousness, mind and subtleties of their working and
deals exclusively with physical phenomena.
This is one
limitation of quantum mechanics.
However such
reduction is not only not necessary but indeed quite impossible in
consciousness studies. The support for reduction is in part the result of confusion
with the process of analysis (Mayr, 2005). Analysis is and always will be an
important methodology in the study of complex systems. Reduction, on the other
hand, is based on invalid assumptions and should be removed from the vocabulary
of science (Mayr, 2005).
In many
processes of biology like consciousness studies, ageing; theoretical physics
solely has no role to play. Any physical theory clubbed with chemistry and in
finite times with finite velocities only will succeed with phenomena relating
to human consciousness and mind. Phenomenon dealing with fundamental particles
and energy particles represented by a wave function and probability of
happening by integrating in tau space the wave function and its complex
conjugate must be suitable in tiny dimensions of space, matter and time which only
is the range of quantum mechanical approach.
Quantum mechanics is developed based on
axioms and not on proven theorems.
Quantum mechanics could not explain spectra
of various atoms beyond hydrogen.
Mental conjectures in modern physics and cosmology in
terms of time and energy:
Worm-holes;
black holes; white holes; time travel; twin paradox; time dilation;
singularities; real and imaginary components of time; big bang; big crunch
etc., is the vocabulary that dominates the discussion of nature of time
(Stephen Hawking 1989, 2001), Peter
Covency and (Roger Highfield 1991). The
quantum cat paradox, Wigner’s friend, parallel universes, the EPR paradox,
which deal with quantum mechanics make the understanding of nature of time
further confusing than clarifying (Peter Covency and Roger Highfield 1991).
These attempts
to express the nature of time using advanced mathematics seem more as
intellectual exercises and the propositions based on them as mental pictures confined
to the realm of happenings concerning the universe or quantum mechanics than
explaining physical realities actually present in the universe, especially on
planet earth as studies in various disciplines and fields like chemistry and biology.
Broadly
speaking, quantum mechanics incorporates four classes of phenomena that
classical physics cannot account for: (i) the quantization (discretization) of
certain physical quantities, (ii) wave-particle duality, (iii) the uncertainty
principle, and (iv) quantum
entanglement.
These phenomena have no application in consciousness studies as
consciousness is the result of breathing process as is envisaged by Upanishadic
seers and other theological interpreters and is solely classical in nature in
relation to energy transformations and organic nature of matter simultaneously
existing in all phase of matter..
Wave
functions – probability distributions and Uncertainty Principle: Limitations of
quantum mechanics in consciousness studies:
Wave
functions are functions of both time and space and can change as time
progresses. An equation known as the Schrodinger
equation describes how wave functions change in space and time, a role similar
to Newton’s second law in classical mechanics. The Schrodinger equation, applied
to our free particle, predicts that the center of a wave packet will move
through space at a constant velocity, like a classical particle with no forces
acting on it.
However, the wave packets will also spread
out as time progresses, and this means that the position becomes more
uncertain. This also has the effect of turning position eigen states
(which can be thought of infinitely sharp wave packets) into broadened wave
packets that are no longer position eigen states.
Some wave functions produce probability
distributions that are constant in time. Many systems that are treated
dynamically in classical mechanics are described by such “static” wave
functions. The time evolution of wave functions is deterministic in the sense
that, given a wave function at an initial time, it makes a definite prediction
of what the wave function will be at any time. During a measurement, the change
of the wave function into another one is not deterministic, but rather
unpredictable, i.e., random.
Thus the choice of wave functions – to choose, time dependent or time
independent – wave functions will be major obstacle in the application of
quantum mechanics as consciousness studies deal with both space and time
consciousness. And randomness has no use for the precise working of human
consciousness and mind.
In relation to working of human
consciousness and mind; the energies taking part are not quantized nor the
matter involved is neither particle nor have
a wave function representation - as electron – and in nature – actually
exists simultaneously as solid, liquid, gas and plasma phases – and does not travel
with the velocity of light.
But in relation to working of human
consciousness, mind and related mental functions all the happenings and events
are classical i.e., velocities are not equal to velocity of light, the energies
transform or change continuously and matter exists in all the four phases
simultaneously and neither matter nor energy is dual in nature in these studies
and is purely classical in nature.
Classical description is also an
important view of nature. Just because quantum ideas have been introduced,
gravitational forces did not cease to control movements of heavenly bodies
i.e., cosmic bodies like sun, planets and host of such heavy masses.
However the classical picture finds a limit
in the quantum domain. However scientists do not know what to replace it with.
This aspect of Reality, i.e. the classical limit as well as
non-immutability of the particle view of nature should be discussed. It is a
major issue in Science today. However consciousness cannot be modeled
in this way considering the dual nature of matter and or energy. In reality consciousness is the form of infra sonic energy reflected as brain waves produce by breathing process. (Ramabrahmam, 2016).
non-immutability of the particle view of nature should be discussed. It is a
major issue in Science today. However consciousness cannot be modeled
in this way considering the dual nature of matter and or energy. In reality consciousness is the form of infra sonic energy reflected as brain waves produce by breathing process. (Ramabrahmam, 2016).
Under
other conditions, the same type of objects exhibit wave-like behavior, such as
interference. We can observe only one type of property at a time, never both at
the same time. And this suits the classical nature of human mental functions
whereas quantum approach has limitations in observing the existence of one of position or momentum or time or energy.
Another quantum effect is quantum
entanglement. In some cases, the wave function of a system composed of many
particles cannot be separated into independent wave functions, one for each
particle. In that case, the particles are said to be “entangled”. If quantum
mechanics is correct, entangled particles can display remarkable and
counter-intuitive properties. For example, a measurement made on one particle
can produce, through the collapse of the total wave function, an instantaneous
effect on other particles with which it is entangled, even if they are far
apart.
The quantum mechanical approach though is successful in describing
the motions of fundamental particles and photons, will be of no use while
dealing with the macroscopic and microscopic physicochemical changes associated
with various types of conscious happenings in the observation of consciousness.
And quantum mechanics is successful when clubbed with statistical mechanics in view
of large number of material or energy particles.
Human consciousness modeled divorced of biological, species
basis will not be truthful.
Thus quantum mechanics deals with the
motion of fundamental particles and energy quanta, their transmission,
absorption and transfer through matter or vacuum. The velocities associated and
the sizes of particles/photons are not comparable to the neuron signal
transmissions which happen in ionic phase through liquid medium.
Quantum mechanics at present is not in the
stage of clubbing these ionic-matters and energy-forms (electro-chemical and
mechanical) which are classical rather than “quantal”. It is also not known
whether these transmissions are analog or digital. The time-periods and nature
of energy transfers or transformations of these happenings are more nearer to
classical transformations rather than quantum transformations at the gross
level. We all know the energy transformations involving quantum processes are
discrete in nature. But neural transmissions are continuous in nature.
The probabilistic nature of quantum
mechanics thus stems from the act of measurement. This is one of the most
difficult aspects of quantum systems to understand. And quantum mechanics could
not explain spectra beyond hydrogen atomic spectrum.
Depending on such a method where and
when the matter and energies involved are in classical range and the energy
transformations are not quantum in nature, the quantum mechanical approach to
understand human consciousness has limitations and is unsuitable in the
infrasonic, chemical, physical, electrochemical energy reversible
transformations which constitute the working of human consciousness and mind
(Ramabrahmam, 2007, 2013, 2016).
Upanishadic
insisght of consciousness:
The continuous and simultaneous or alternate
rise and set of the conscious states or phases of mind is an aspect of psychological
time and its flow and quantum ideas have no role to play in these classical
processes.
Atman (yasya
gamanam satatam tat atma) and maya
(yaya
asantam pasyati sa maya or ya ma
sa maya) together constitute and compose of human consciousness and are
the ingredients that construct and operate human consciousness and human mental
functions)8.
poornam adaha
pooram idam poornat pootnam
udachyate
poornasya poornam aadaya poornam eva avasisshyate
The above Upanishadic expression informs about Atman (adaha
or aham) and idam, the inner mental world and
mental functions taking place therein. Idam comes out as full from adaha
– the full and after this release the adaha remains full. This
means adaha or Atman or Brahman is both the instrumental
and substantial cause (upaadaana kaarana) for the formation
of inner mental world. Atman also gives us dristi
or consciousness. Atman, which moves always, rather
oscillates in tune with the breathing process and is the result of it8,
is both the source, guide of and absorber of maya, the chit
aabhaasa or pranavam, the reflected form of the chit energy. And inner
mental world is constructed by maya and associated mental
functions are transformations of maya in forward and reverse
directions, technically known as vivartanam. “mayaamayam idam jagat” sentence
informs this. [In Vaishnava tradition, Sree
(Lakshmi) assumes the role of maya].
Both maya and Sree are energy forms of the Lord/Brahman/Siva/Vishnu.
Conclusions:
The aid of
philosophical insights of consciousness and mind and its functions available in
eastern and western systems have to be taken as presented in this article In view of its essential nature and features –
wave functions, wave-particle duality of matter and energy-dealing with only
inorganic phase of matter; and various quantum effects, produced; discussed in
this paper, not suiting classical behavior of matter being present in all
phases and classical energies - mechanical, chemical, electrochemical,
biochemical, transforming continuously, thus classically - dealt with quantum
ideas have no role to play in consciousness studies.
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