Concept of consciousness in the context of quantum mechanics

Abstract

Conceptual problems of the quantum theory of measurement are considered, which are embodied in well-knownparadoxes and in Bell's inequalities. Arguments are advancedin favor of the viewpoint that these problems may hardly besolved without direct inclusion of the observer's consciousness inthe theoretical description of a quantum measurement. Discussed in this connection is the so-called many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics proposed by Everett, as is theextension of Everett's concept, which consists in the assumption that separating the quantum state components corresponding to alternative measurements is not only associated with theobserver's consciousness but is completely identified with it.This approach is shown to open up qualitatively new avenuesfor the unification of physics and psychology and, more broadly,of the sciences and the humanities. This may lead to an extension of the theory of consciousness and shed light on significantand previously misunderstood phenomena in the sphere of consciousness.