Dr. Stuart Hameroff: Consciousness is More than Computation!
Sep 12, 2013
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Dr. Stuart Hameroff, Professor of Anesthesiology and Psychology, explores consciousness and its link to anesthesia, neuroscience, and Eastern philosophy. He discusses the controversial Orch OR model of consciousness, the subconscious mind's quantum nature, evidence for quantum biology, and the preservation of microtubules. The chapter also highlights alternative projects and emphasizes consciousness beyond computation.
Understanding consciousness is crucial for improving anesthesia practices and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.
The Orch-OR theory proposes that consciousness is influenced by quantum mechanics and offers potential medical applications.
Microtubules can exhibit quantum states and become quantum devices when stimulated with specific resonance frequencies.
Deep dives
Dr. Stuart Hamroff's background and research interests
Dr. Stuart Hamroff is a renowned anesthesiologist and professor at the University of Arizona. He has dedicated almost 40 years to studying how the brain produces consciousness and the effects of anesthesia on consciousness. He is particularly interested in the role of microtubules, lattice-like structures made of proteins, in the brain's information processing. Dr. Hamroff's research combines his medical expertise with elements of philosophy and quantum mechanics.
The Importance of Understanding Consciousness
Dr. Hamroff highlights the significance of unraveling the mystery of consciousness. He believes that understanding consciousness is not only an intriguing philosophical pursuit but also crucial for improving anesthesia practices and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders. Consciousness is considered the ultimate product of the brain, and without it, life lacks purpose and meaning. Dr. Hamroff suggests that comprehending consciousness could lead to better ways of ensuring anesthesia-induced unconsciousness, developing treatments for brain-related disorders, and even exploring the possibility of an afterlife.
The Orch-OR Theory and Quantum Mechanics
Dr. Hamroff discusses the Orch-OR theory of consciousness, which he developed with physicist Sir Roger Penrose. This theory proposes that consciousness is not solely a product of classical computation in the brain but is also influenced by quantum mechanics. According to the theory, microtubules in neurons act as quantum computers, and the collapse of quantum superpositions (objective reduction) within these structures gives rise to conscious experience. The Orch-OR theory challenges the notion that the brain is a classical Newtonian computer and suggests that quantum processes at the Planck scale are integral to the emergence of consciousness. Dr. Hamroff acknowledges the skepticism surrounding the theory but emphasizes the potential medical applications it offers, such as using ultrasound to positively affect mood or aid in treating brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases.
Quantum Coherence in Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis in plants utilizes quantum coherence to efficiently convert sunlight into chemical energy. The process involves the transfer of electronic excitations through protein complexes, known as chromophores, using multiple pathways simultaneously.
Quantum States in Microtubules
Research conducted by Honor Bongjapati at the National Institute of Material Sciences revealed that microtubules, which are 25 nanometers in diameter, can exhibit quantum states. By stimulating the microtubules with alternating current at specific resonance frequencies, they displayed quantum conductance and became quantum devices.
Dr. Stuart Hameroff is a Professor of Anesthesiology and Psychology and Director of the Center for Consciousness Studies at the University of Arizona. Together with British quantum physicist Sir Roger Penrose, Hameroff is the co-author of the controversial Orch OR model of consciousness. I first met Dr. Hameroff at the recent GF2045 conference where the […]
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