Bohm`s Quantum Potential Approach to Consciousness from the Perspective of a Four-Valued Logic

Marcus Schmieke

doi:10.36018/dsiij.v17i.206

Abstract

Parallel to David Bohm´s development of a realistic interpretation of quantum physics, German philosopher and logician Gotthard Günther worked on a generalization of the classical two-valued logic to satisfy the ontological requirements of quantum physics as well as of cybernetics. Both of these new disciplines introduced information and consciousness into the terminology of science. These terms and concepts need to be reflected in logic, ontology and the theory of science. David Bohm suggested an expansion of his own model by generalization and iteration of the quantum potential to include consciousness and mental states into a new psycho-physical theory. This article proposes Günther´s four-valued logical system of meaning/reflection as a theoretical scientific frame for this expansion of Bohm´s theory and discusses its ontological implications.

Highlights

Gotthard Günthers Ontological and Logical Expansion of Quantum Theory In his article “Cybernetic Ontology Operations” (Günther 1976) (1), German philosopher and logician Gotthard Günther describes the logical and ontological basis of quantum physics and its until now unresolved conflicts which arise due to applying two valued logical terminology to a reality of higher complexity
Parallel to David Bohms development of a realistic interpretation of quantum physics, German philosopher and logician Gotthard Günther worked on a generalization of the classical two-valued logic to satisfy the ontological requirements of quantum physics as well as of cybernetics
Quantum physics in Heisenbergs interpretation obviously maintains a two-valued classical logical calculus, so it cannot assign different logical values to the four different states SS, OS, OO and OS described here (Günther 1954) (3); the reason being that the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum physics is based on the fact that any experiment needs to be described from its onset by using the two-valued logical terms of classical physics

Summary

Objective

Quantum physics in Heisenbergs interpretation obviously maintains a two-valued classical logical calculus, so it cannot assign different logical values to the four different states SS, OS, OO and OS described here (Günther 1954) (3); the reason being that the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum physics is based on the fact that any experiment needs to be described from its onset by using the two-valued logical terms of classical physics. The higher levels of iteration of the quantum potential donot have to strictly follow the laws of quantum physics, as proposed e.g. by the Generalized Quantum Theory of Walach, Römer and Atmanspacher (Walach et al 2020) (14) By this reflective process of iterative formation of the quantum potential a more and more dense and holistic realm of meaning, mental contents and empirical consciousness might be created, which, similar to active information, doesnot fit into the classical object-subject duality. It creates ontological levels of distributed subjectivity and requires additional logical and ontological depth and width. From the Iperspective of the 3rd reflection, annihilation seems unthinkable (Bhagavad Gita 2.20) (30)

Conclusion

Gotthard Günther