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Quantum mechanics needs no consciousness |
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| Authors: | S Yu D Nikolić |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Neurophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Deutschordenstr. 46, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, GermanyCurrent address: Section on Critical Brain Dynamics, National Institute of Mental Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;2. Department of Neurophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Deutschordenstr. 46, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;3. Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Ruth‐Moufang‐Str. 1, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany |
| Abstract: | It has been suggested that consciousness plays an important role in quantum mechanics as it is necessary for the collapse of wave function during the measurement. Here we formulated several predictions that follow from this hypothetical relationship and that can be empirically tested. Experimental results that are already available suggest falsification of these predictions. Thus, the suggested link between human consciousness and collapse of wave function does not seem viable. We discuss the implications of these conclusions on the role of the human observer for quantum mechanics and on the role of quantum mechanics for the observer's consciousness. |
| Keywords: | Measurement problem wave function collapse observer double‐slit experiment |