Mind, Matter, and Quantum Mechanics

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XIII

   PDF

2. Introduction

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

      PDF

   2. … and then a Miracle Occurs

      • Henry Pierce Stapp

      Pages 3-36

   3. A Quantum Theory of Consciousness

      • Henry Pierce Stapp

      Pages 37-45

3. Theory

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 47-47

      PDF

   2. The Copenhagen Interpretation

      • Henry Pierce Stapp

      Pages 49-78

   3. Mind, Matter, and Quantum Mechanics

      • Henry Pierce Stapp

      Pages 79-116

   4. Quantum Propensities and the Brain-Mind Connection

      • Henry Pierce Stapp

      Pages 117-143

   5. A Quantum Theory of the Mind-Brain Interface

      • Henry Pierce Stapp

      Pages 145-172

4. Implications

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 173-173

      PDF

   2. Mind, Matter, and Pauli

      • Henry Pierce Stapp

      Pages 175-183

   3. Choice and Meaning in the Quantum Universe

      • Henry Pierce Stapp

      Pages 185-196

   4. Future Achievements to Be Gained through Science

      • Henry Pierce Stapp

      Pages 197-205

   5. A Quantum Conception of Man

      • Henry Pierce Stapp

      Pages 207-217

   6. Quantum Theory and the Place of Mind in Nature

      • Henry Pierce Stapp

      Pages 219-226

5. Appendices

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 227-227

      PDF

   2. A Mathematical Model

      • Henry Pierce Stapp

      Pages 229-231

6. Back Matter

   Pages 233-249

   PDF

Nature appears to be composed of two completely different kinds of things: rocklike things and idealike things. The first is epitomized by an enduring rock, the second by a fleeting thought. A rock can be experienced by many of us together, while a thought seems to belong to one of us alone. Thoughts and rocks are intertwined in the unfolding of nature, as Michelangelo's David so eloquently attests. Yet is it possible to under­ stand rationally how two completely different kinds of things can interact with each other? Logic says no, and history confirms that verdict. To form a rational comprehension of the interplay between the matterlike and mind­ like parts of nature these two components ought to be understood as aspects of some single primal stuff. But what is the nature of a primal stuff that can have mind and matter as two of its aspects? An answer to this age-old question has now been forced upon us. Physi­ cists, probing ever deeper into the nature of matter, found that they were forced to bring into their theory the human observers and their thoughts. Moreover, the mathematical structure of the theory combines in a marvelous way the features of nature that go with the concepts of mind and matter. Although it is possible, in the face of this linkage, to try to maintain the tra­ ditionallogical nonrelatedness of these two aspects of nature, that endeavor leads to great puzzles and mysteries.

• Bewusstsein
• Interpretation
• Mind-Brain Problem
• Quantenmechanik
• Wissenschaftsphilosophie
• consciousness
• consciousness explained
• philosophy of science
• quantum mechanics
• quantum theory
• science

From the reviews of the second edition:

"The author develops new chapters on many findings of recent research on the mind-body problem as well as their extrapolation to new and difficult technical and social areas. The book is highly recommended to physicists, mathematicians, social scientists, and intelligent general readers." (Albert A. Mullin, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1087, 2006)

• Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, USA

  Henry Pierce Stapp

Policies and ethics