Skip to main content
Log in

Consciousness and values in the quantum universe

  • Published:
Foundations of Physics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

    We’re sorry, something doesn't seem to be working properly.

    Please try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, please contact support so we can address the problem.

Abstract

Application of quantum mechanical description to neurophysiological processes appears to provide for a natural unification of the physical and humanistic sciences. The categories of thought used to represent physical and psychical processes become united, and the mechanical conception of man created by classical physics is replaced by a profoundly different quantum conception. This revised image of man allows human values to be rooted in contemporary science.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. W. Heisenberg,Physics and Philosophy (Harper and Row, New York, 1958), p. 54.

    Google Scholar 

  2. J. von Neumann,The Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Theory (Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey, 1955), p. 418.

    Google Scholar 

  3. H. P. Stapp,Am. J. Phys. 40, 1098 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  4. P. Pfeiffer, “Chiral Molecules—A Superselection Rule Induced by the Radiation Field,” Dissertation, ETH, Zurich, No. 6551 (ok Gotthard S + D, Zürich); H. Primas,Chemistry, Quantum Mechanics, and Reductionism (Lecture Notes in Chemistry 24) (Springer-Verlag, New York).

  5. Lester Ingber,Physica 5D, 83 (1982) andPhys. Rev. A 28, 395 (1983).

    Google Scholar 

  6. Eric R. Kandel and James H. Schwartz, “Molecular Biology of Learning: Modulation of Transmitter Release,”Science 218, 433 (1982).

    Google Scholar 

  7. J. C. Eccles, inThe Self and Its Brain (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1978).

    Google Scholar 

  8. H. P. Stapp,Found. Phys. 12, 363 (1982); 9, 1 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Niels Bohr,Atomic Theory and the Description of Nature (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1934), p. 20.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Niels Bohr,Atomic Theory and the Description of Nature (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1934), p. 21.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Niels Bohr,Atomic Theory and the Description of Nature (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1934), p. 22.

    Google Scholar 

  12. E. Wigner, inThe Scientist Speculates, I. J. Good, ed. (Heinemann, London, 1962).

    Google Scholar 

  13. E. H. Walker,Math. Biosci. 7, 131 (1970) andIntl. J. Quantum Chem. 11, 103 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  14. R. W. Sperry,Psychol. Rev. 76, 532 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  15. J. S. Bell,Physics (N.Y.) 195 (1964); H. P. Stapp,Phys. Rev. D 3, 1301 (1971);Phys. Rev. Lett. 49, 1470 (1982); Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Report LBL-16482 (1983).

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

This article summarizes the contributions of the author to a panel discussion at the Eleventh International Conference on the Unity of the Sciences. The focus of the conference was on the problem of values. The other members of the panel were Eugene Wigner, Karl Przibram, and Max Jammer.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Stapp, H.P. Consciousness and values in the quantum universe. Found Phys 15, 35–47 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00738736

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00738736

Keywords

Navigation