Theory of Brain Function, Quantum Mechanics and Superstrings
D.V. Nanopoulos
Center for Theoretical Physics,
paper: http://xxx.lanl.gov/abs/hep-ph/9505374
Summary and comments in red
Prooimion
This paper attempts to develop a
scientifically sound framework of brain dynamics, based on new developments in
neural science and (non) critical string theory. It supports the conjecture put
forward by Hameroff and Penrose that microtubules are
the microsites of consciousness. It also supports an
interpretation of non-critical string theory developed by Ellis, Mavromatos, and the author, D.V. Nanopoulos,
which reformulates the doctrines of quantum mechanics from the ground up. It appears
that the resulting modified quantum dynamics of microtubules leads to a concise and experimentally
verifiable theory of brain function.
1. Introduction (p. 1)
How does the brain function? A reductionistic approach has worked well in many areas of
biology and physics, and will be used to develop our model. The situation is
more complicated, because the mind pops into the issue, so the working
of the associated mental world needs to be considered. Strong Artificial
Intelligence proposes the brain [and its workings, the mind] is just a computer, and we just need to
figure out the algorithm. Cartesian dualism assumes that the brain and mind are
two different things. The brain is associated with the attainable physical
world, which we will call W1, while the mind is associated with the
mental world, which we will call W2.
This paper presents an alternative
proposition: that an “effective” (apparently dualistic) mental
world [W2] emerges from the physical world [W].
|||
Physical world
Causes
“collapse”
“” is a symbol from set theory, meaning “is a proper subset of” (http://fofx.net/handouts/settheory.pdf )
“” is “bigotimes”
from representation theory, which seems to be associated tensor multiplication
http://math.berkeley.edu/~teleman/math/RepThry.pdf
My best guess is that
Equation 1 means that the attainable physical world, W1, known via
the brain, is the result of a collapse of the wave function caused by the
mental world, W2, both
of which are subsets of the physical world.
Note there are physicists,
such as Bernie Haisch,
Richard Conn Henry, and Roger Sperry, who would say the
physical world arises from the mental; or consciousness
creates an illusion of matter.
This approach combines several new
ideas: that microtubules (cytosceletal protein
polymer (hexagonal) paracrystalline structures)
within neurons may be where most of brain function originates. (Hameroff); that quantum effects may play a central role in
MT functioning (Hameroff, Penrose, who were both
looking for a wave function collapse mechanism); that in one interpretation of
non-critical string theory, one gets natural modifications of Quantum
Mechanics, which leads to an explicit wave function collapse mechanism and
microscopic arrow of time. This paper attempts to combine these ideas. The
collapse of the wave function is what causes the system to “decide”
it’s course of action, which
is compatible with the Jamesian view of consciousness
as a selecting agency. [comment: Although most would agree that however
“consciousness” “works”, it has to be compatible with
physics; however, the Jamesian view of consciousness
as a “decider” is very limited.] The “collapse of the
wave function” will result in a well coordinated exocytosis,
which is the simultaneous emission of neurotransmitter molecules by the
synaptic vesicles. From then on, standard neurophysiology applies. The
connection between the mental world and the “collapse of the wave
function” makes it clear how a mental intention is physically and
causally related to a motor action. [comment: much
physiological function occurs without mental intention, ie
the autonomic nervous system keeps us alive] We
may be able to develop a “mental code” that would translate
feelings and intentions into specific neurochemical
states. The universality of the mental world for all humans cries out for an
objective mapping between mental and neurological processes. A good analogy is
the “genetic code”, which maps base sequencing in DNA with amino
acids; ie proteins.
2. Brain Mechanics (p. 3)
Experimental data suggests that
brain function is non-local; ie; coherent neuronic activity at spatially remote cortical locations.
Non-locality strongly suggests a quantum effect. Since we are dealing with
macroscopic quantities, we have to look at “Macroscopic Quantum
States” (MQS). Superconductivity, superfluidity,
and magnetization are typical properties of MQS. For certain structures, a
degree of coherence may be achieved that leads to high stability.
“Weiss regions” are
small regions in a ferromagnet (iron object) in which
the electron spins are polarized in a specific direction. The electron spins in
each region however, are randomly oriented, so there is no overall
magnetization. When a magnetic (B) field, or low temperature is applied, the
Weiss regions all tend to align, producing magnetization. This is a highly stable macroscopic
coherent (or quantum) state; the
ordered state. This transition from unordered to ordered is called a phase
transition. The ordered state contains information ( electron spins polarized
in the same direction), while the disordered state is more symmetric. Thus,
ordered states are the result of spontaneous symmetry breaking.
Many different systems can be
described by the same phase transition. The critical point for the phase
transition acts as an attractor, which means no fine tuning is necessary [ the terms phase transition and attractor are reminiscent of
chaos theory] All the basic properties of phase transitions can be encoded in a
set of “evolution
equations” called Renormalization Group Equations (RGE)
In MQSs,
long range correlation is maintained by wave like self propagating excitation
loops called phonons, spin waves or magnons. These regulate other elements, and
feedback to the element which caused a disturbance. MQSs
exhibit nonlocality and emergence of new
characteristics; for example, superconductivity, which by definition cannot
exist at the level of individual electrons.
The concepts of MQS and phase
transitions in magnetization can be used by analogy to describe certain brain
functions; for example, random brain signals correspond to uncoordinated Weiss
regions; an external stimulus may “straighten out” or put order
into the random neuron signals “so that they
are able to represent some coherent piece of information” [does this always follow from putting order into random neural
signals?] this corresponds to imposing a magnetic (B) field, or low
temperature; the highly stable coherent firing of neurons, described as memory,
corresponds to the emergent property of magnetization, and may provide a
solution to the “binding problem”; a similar but not identical
stimulus causes again a stable coherent firing of neurons; ie,
the ordered state.
This generic picture of brain
function is supported by experimental data from the electroencephalogram. (EEG)
Spectral analysis of EEG data show
random phase relationships during spontaneous cortical activity, which becomes coherent
when an actual stimulus is supplied. It seems that the external stimulus not
only adds energy to the brain, but also organizes it in a coherent way. [ It has been shown that the heart is composed of neural
material much like that of the brain, and is considered by some to be the
dominant organ. Thus, whatever theory is used to represent the brain should in
some way be able to represent the heart].
3. Quantum Mechanics (p. 7)
Molecular biology is concerned with
the function and structure of the cell. Most of the time classical
(non-quantum) theory holds, but not always. The double helical structure of
DNA, which allows for genetic properties, is due to the quantum mechanical H
bonds between purines and pyrimidines.
A central dogma of QM is wave particle duality. The wave aspect can be
described by a wave function, typically expressed as a Schrodinger
type wave equation, which provides a time evolution of the system.
Wave functions may be linearly superimposed. A quantum
system can, in principle, be in many wave states simultaneously. A measurement,
or observation, causes a “collapse of the superimposed wave
function”, leading to particle like behaviour, in accordance with the
Heisenberg uncertainty principle. This paper is looking for a formal way to
unify wave particle duality. [interesting mathematical
notation]
The wave function, or Schrodinger type wave equation, can be expressed in
“density matrix” form, which is a quantum analogue of the classical
statistics Liouville equation. The result is a time
evolution of the phase space density function. The density matrix approach
allows the description of mixed states; for example as a sum of pure quantum
state probability densities and classical probabilities. Thus we have a
unification of quantum and classical dynamics.
Quasicrystals are physical structures which may
need QM to be described. According to Roger Penrose, the quasicrystal
assemble cannot be obtained by a local adding of atoms one at a time. Rather, a
non-local quantum mechanical process must be involved; something like an
evolving quantum superposition of many different alternative arrangements of
attaching atoms. Not one isolated thing happens; many alternative arrangements
coexist. At a certain point a
collapse of the wave function will occur, resulting in a specific
configuration. Usually crystalline configurations are of minimum energy, but
the minimum energy state of a quasicrystal is hard to
determine due to the large number of atoms involved all at once. This is a
global, not a local problem. The quantum process “tries” large
numbers of atoms simultaneously, until an intermediate solution is
“found”, at which time the wave function collapses.
4. Brain morphology and Modeling (p. 13)
While the dynamic processes of neural
communication suggest a computer analogue, there are some fundamental
differences relating to plasticity.
The interconnections between neurons are continually changing The Hebb rules, developed by Donald O. Hebb,
address the underlying mechanism of brain plasticity. Hebb
says that the synapse between neurons is strengthened when both neurons fire,
suggestive of a learning process. Many math models have been proposed,
implementing is some way Hebb’s rules, and are
called neural networks (NNs).
The total stimulus of a network of
neurons on a given neuron is assumed to be given by the sum of the stimuli
coming from each neuron.
The Hopfield model is the simplest
neural network model, with neurons either on or off, and discrete time units.
With certain assumptions, the
Hopfield model is similar to the dynamics of a statistical mechanics Ising type, or more generally a spin-glass model. This
justifies using the statistical mechanics language of phase transitions, like
critical points and attractors, to describe neural dynamics, and thus brain
dynamics. This simplified model has many attractors, corresponding to many
equilibrium points or ordered states, which would allow for storing many
different patterns of activity in the brain. According to NN theory, a
particular neural configuration corresponds to each pattern we are capable of
recognizing and remembering.
According to Hebbian neurophysiology, an
object is memorized by suitably increasing the synaptic strengths. This
provides a basis for a theory of associative learning and memory.
Despite the progress made in
understanding brain function using the NN paradigm, the NN approach can be seen
as artificial, and far from providing a realistic model of brain function. The
NN approach also does not shed light on the “binding problem” ie, how to “bind together” all neurons firing
to different features of the same object or category, especially when more than
one object is perceived simultaneously.
It has long been suggested that
different groups of neurons, responding to a common object or category, fire
synchronously. If so, this could help resolve the binding problem. EEG analysis
of brain waves suggest alpha rhythms at 10 Hertz (Hz), and gamma, or “40
Hz” oscillations from 35 to 70 Hz. It has been shown that these
oscillations can become synchronized in a stimulus dependent way. Studies of
auditory evoked responses have shown inhibition of 40 Hz coherence with loss of
consciousness due to general anaesthesia. Such results suggest that the gamma
oscillations may be the neural correlate of visual awareness.
5. Stringy QM: Density Matrix Mechanics (p. 20)
The standard model of elementary particle physics is based on Quantum
Field Theory. However, when gravitational effects are included, uncontrollable
infinities arise which render the theory useless. Perhaps this means a future revision of both QFT and our
understanding of gravity. Even QFT has “gaps”; for example, there
is no known mechanism which causes the mysterious “collapse” of the
wave function. In applying QFT, the assumption of a static smooth spacetime ( ie Lorentz spacetime manifold
characterized by a Minkowski metric) usually works well. However, quantum
fluctuations and our expanding universe defy a truly static smooth spacetime
at very small scales. At scales of the planck length
(10 -33 cm), it could be that the very notion of a spacetime
description evaporates. If quantum gravity is to be included in the unification
scheme, conventional ideas about quantum dynamics and spacetime
will need to be revised.
A well known and well studied
example of a singular spacetime is the black hole,
objects with such a strong gravitational field that nothing, including light
can escape once the event horizon is crossed. Quantum vacuum fluctuations
create pairs of particles, that in the absence of gravity, fall back together
and annihilate on another, disappearing again into the QV. If one of these
become trapped in a black hole, the other is left behind, forming an apparent
emission called Hawking radiation. This Hawking radiation is thermal, which
means that vast amounts of information are lost, being dragged into the black
hole. Stephen Hawking realized that his black hole dynamics and QM were
incompatible, and suggested QM be generalized to include pure state to mixed
state transition, which is equivalent to abandoning the quantum superposition
principle. Description of quantum states by wave functions or state vectors
would be replaced by the more accommodating density matrix description, with an
added term, for certain applications. The author suggests that this extra term,
included in the past for practical reasons, actually needs to be included for
dynamic reasons having to do with quantum gravity. In this case the extra term
accommodates the transition from pure to mixed state; that is, it allows
spontaneous decoherence and a collapse of the wave
function. To help evaluate Hawking’s proposal, a better understanding of quantum gravity is
necessary. String theory has provided the first and presently only known
framework for a consistently quantized theory of gravity.
In string theory (ST) , one replaces
point like particles with closed string like objects of characteristic length
10 -33 cm; ie one Planck length. In ST, one gets an automatic natural unification of all
interactions including quantum gravity. It is natural to address the issues of
black hole dynamics with ST. The author has done so and subsequently developed
a dynamic theory of string black holes.
In ST, there is an infinity of
particles of different masses, including the standard model ones, corresponding
to the different excitation modes of the string. Most of these particles are
unobservable (in particle accelerators) because they are too massive. There is
an infinity of massive “gauge-boson” like particles, similar to the
W-boson mediating the weak interactions, thus indicating an infinity of
spontaneously broken gauge symmetries, each one characterized by a charge,
generally called Q. These are “observable” at long distances at the
quantum level by using the Bohm-Aharonov effect,
[ ] where one measures phase
shifts proportional to Q, and thus measures Q. This kind of Q charge is called
“quantum hair” on a black hole. From the infinity of stringy
symmetries, one subset has been identified, called the W 1+infinity symmetry,
which causes the mixing, in the presence of singular spacetime
backgrounds such as the black hole, of massless
string modes, containing the quantum particles of the low energy world (quarks,
leptons, photons), W 1-world and the massive string modes called
global states, W 2-world. The global states have fixed energy and
momentum, and by applying uncertainty type relationships, they extend over all
space and time. While the global states are physical, they are not observable
locally.
They do, however, effect W 1
world. Roughly:
The State of the World (W) = the
state of W1 (W 1-world ) + the state of W2 (W 2-world
)
Equation 2
In density matrix mechanics, one has a stochastic, indeterminate
evolution of the quantum system, due to the unavoidable existence of spacetime foam (quantum fluctuations). Quantum fluctuations
agitate our low energy quantum system, through the global or W 2-world
states, to be spontaneously open. This is an objective mechanism, independent
of any observer.
When density matrix mechanics is incorporated into the State of the
World Equation 2, we get
W W1
W2 Causes “synchordic
collapse” W1 Equation 3
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Physical world
Attainable Global
Including all local
Physical world states
and global states
all local states
world
The global or W 2-world
states are the agents of the “synchordic”
collapse.
When a particle enters a black hole,
its W2 state goes from dormant to active
Note the similarity of Equation 1
(proposed world-brain dynamics) and Equation 3 (black hole dynamics). The
author points out other similarities. For example, presence or absence of quantum
coherence, and its cause; the existence of an infinite number of possible
equilibrium or critical points corresponding to an infinite number of
spontaneously broken “gauge” (stringy) symmetries with appropriate
selection rules; the possibility of moving away from one equilibrium point to
another, or returning to the original equilibrium point.
If a structure could be found in the
brain that renders the
author’s string dynamic equations applicable, explicit answers could be
found for the binding problem, how the brain produces flowing time and free
will, etc. These structures exist and they are called microtubules.
6. Microtubules I The biochemical profile (p. 30)
Microtubules (MT) are one of several
types of structure occurring within the cytoskeleton of cellular cytoplasm. MTs are hollow cylindrical tubes of mean diameter about 20
nm, and can be centimeters long. They are interconnected to form
dynamic networks. MTs are an example of electret substances; that is, oriented assemblies of dipoles (+ and -) , with piezoelectric
properties; ie; they produce electric current when
undergoing tension or compression. The crystal like symmetry of the internal MT
structure suggests that MTs may be used as information
processors. MTs are also able to disassemble and
reassemble, and through chemical processes move electrons, and electron
“holes” [functioning therefore as a
semiconductor]. MTs also play a central role
in cell division (mytosis), and in that capacity and
in other ways, interrelates and
parallels DNA. Careful study of MTs, notably by Koruga, show that
MTs, through their tubulin subunits, also have a code system. They have one
of the best binary error correcting codes, the “6-binary dimer”. MT symmetry and structure are optimal for
information processing. The author speculates that since the MTs are strongly involved in exocytosis
(release of neuro-transmitters), which is the most
fundamental process that may somehow transform intentions/feelings into neural
action, the MT “K codes” may be used as a dictionary to translate
psychological “orders” into physiological actions. That is, DNA/RNA
provides the genetic code, while MTs provide the
mental, or K code. As such, MTs may play a role as microsites of consciousness.
Further evidence that neural MTs have a lot to do with learning, memory, cognition, and
thus eventually with consciousness: single eukaryotic cell organisms, like the
amoeba and paramecium have no neurons or synapses, but are capable of cognitive
and adaptive activities. The key structure must be the cytoskeleton, including
the MTs, which acts as the nervous system for single
cells, as observed by the famous neuroscientist, C.S. Sherrington.
In animals the drug colchicine causes defects in
learning and memory which mimic Alzheimer’s disease, by interfering with MT function.
7. Microtubules II The physical profile (p. 38)
The basic physical framework for
understanding the high degree of biological order was put forward by Herbert Fröhlich. Fröhlich conjectured that quantum level
events, such as the movement of an electron, act as a trigger for changing the
conformational state of an entire protein. He conjectured that if biochemical
energy such as ATP or GTP hydrolysis were supplied to a dipolar biological
system, long range macroscopic coherence would result. He provided evidence
that coherent excitation frequencies in the range 10 9 to 10 10
were possible. The MTs provide a structure that
allows Fröhlich’s excitations to be realized. There is contemporary physical
evidence for these global frequency excitations, including the demonstration of
propagating signals in the MTs.
MTs are viewed as polymers of subunit
proteins, the tubulins, and may be considered
lattices of oriented dipoles. The dipoles may be randomly oriented,
parallel-aligned (or ferroelectric), or occur as regions of locally frozen
orientation, or spin-glass. Depending
on temperature and external electric fields, the MT systems may exhibit these
as different phases. In the ferroelectric phase, there is long range (global)
order, encouraging the propagation of kink-like excitations, thus enabling MT
signalling and assembly/disassembly.
The spin-glass phase seems usable for efficient information processing
and computations.
The MTs
strong uniaxial diaelectric
anisotropy align the dipole oscillators so they can be described by only one
degree of freedom. That degree of freedom is a 29 degree shift in orientation
of the monomer from the dimer.
In the language of QM, Two conformational
states of the dimer exist; a and b; depending on
where the electron is; a quantum transition occurs when the electron moves from
one state to the other. These quantum transitions create abrupt distortions of spacetime, which increases the possibility of creation and
annihilation of Planck size black holes. The Planckian
black holes interact with the MT system through the global (W2)
string states. The MT system is then agitated in a stochastic way, with a
monotonic increase in entropy, which creates a microscopic arrow of time.
Together with the water surrounding
it, the MT forms an electric field parallel to its axis.
The 1+1 dimensional MT physical
mathematical model has been mapped to a 1+1 dimensional non-critical string
theory, the precursor of the 1 + 1 black hole mathematical model.
Studies of MT dynamics indicate that
the MT’s filamentous structure may be due to
spontaneous symmetry breaking, a la superconductivity. Del Giudice
et al proposed that the formation of the MTs
cylindrical structure from tubulin subunits may be
understood by the concept of self-focusing of electromagnetic energy by ordered
water. Like the Meissner
(symmetry breaking) effect for superconducting media, EM energy would be confined inside the
filamentous regions around which the tubulin subunits
gather. Del Giudice et al showed that this self
focusing would result in filamentous beams of radius 15 nm, the inner diameter
of the MTs. Jubi et al have
proposed that the quantum dynamical system of water molecules and the quantized
EM field confined within the hollow MT core can manifest a specific collective
effect called superradience, by which the MT can
transform any incoherent thermal and disordered molecular, atomic, or EM energy
into coherent photons inside the MTs. They have also
shown that these coherent photons penetrate along the internal hollow core of the MT, as if
the medium inside were made transparent by the photons themselves. This is the
quantum phenomena of self-induced transparency. Superradience
and self-induced transparency in cytosceletal MTs can lead to “optical” neural holography.
Neurons and perhaps other cells may contain microscopic coherent optical
supercomputers with enormous capacity. Thus, Jibu et
al suggest that MTs can behave as optical waveguides
which result in coherent photons. They estimate that this quantum coherence is
capable of superposition of states in MTs spatially
distributed over hundreds of microns.
8. Microtubules and (string theory based) Density Matrix Mechanics (I): Quantum
theory of brain function (p. 45)
Brain plasticity, in which the
interconnections in the brain are undergoing continuous and subtle changes due
to microtubule network activity, shares some characteristics with quasicrystal growth. In brain plasticity, including dendritic growth and shrinkage, a similar process occurs; ie, many alternative arrangements coexist, and at a certain
point a collapse of the wave function will occur, resulting in a specific
minimal configuration. In the brain however, many minimumization
conditions must be met, not just minimal energy. This would suggest that
quantum computation is used to calculate these minimums, which is provided by
the MT network in a stringy modified QM or density matrix mechanics
framework. Eccles and Beck have
shown that exocytosis is a quantum phenomenon of the presynaptic vesicular grid. This grid is associated with
hexagonal paracrystalline-like structures, as are the
MTs. Further, this grid is adjacent to the MTs. The probability of quantum emission is a holistic
property of the presynaptic vesicular grid. This
probability is not fixed, but can be decreased or increased by physiological or
drug treatment.
Theoretically there is some time
lapse between brain input and output; characterized mainly by c, the quantum coherence lifetime. This is the
time it takes for information processing and quantum computation, and is
calculated to be about one second. This is rather long compared to the neuron
cycle time of 1-2 milliseconds, and the neurosignal
velocity of about 100 meters/second. Learning and memory, closely related to
brain plasticity, involve shrinkage or growth of dendrite spines, and is
supposed to occur within one second, which supports this calculation. Although
the nominal value is one second, depending on parameter values, this number
could be 1/50 second. The brain’s gamma (40 hz)
oscillations may be due to successive synchordic
collapses of an extended MT network. Generalizing, the “x” oscillations
may give a clue as to the solution of the “binding problem,” also
called the unitary sense of self. Some human experimental data has been
collected which appears to be consistent with the 1.0 second theoretical value. Kornhuber
et al found that, averaged over many trials, the decision to flex an index
finger preceeds the actual flexing by 1 to 1.5
seconds. This Nanopoulos calls an example of free
will. He notes that when “free will” is replaced by response of a
flash of a light signal, the index finger flexing occurs five times faster. Libet et al found that when a stimulus was applied to the
skin of subjects, it took about a second before they were consciously aware of
the stimulus. [The author suggests that these time
delays support the one second quantum consciousness concept, and that
understanding these time delays in helps in our understanding of consciousness.
However, other physiological processes, with their time delays, could be
intervening. He suggests that
consciousness is “explained” by MTs,
which is merely an assumption. Athough MTs appear to be the most basic process, a more appropriate
statement would be that these delays help in our understanding of the
perceptual processes, some of which may still be unknown to us.] Nanopoulos states that “another key feature,
supporting further the eminent direct connection between coherent MT
conformational oscillations and the emergence of consciousness is the fact that
absence of conformational oscillations, as by general anaesthesia, leads to the
loss of consciousness.” Brains of patients under general anaesthesia are usually
active; EEG, (except for 40 Hz oscillations?) evoked potentials and other brain functions are still
active. [How do you measure conformational
oscillations? This seems not too much different than saying that if you put a
shutter over a window, there is a loss of light, so the window itself is the
source of the light. The point is that although MTs
may well be involved, there may be much more going on.]
The synergy between Planck scale
physics and neurobiology is amazing.
Each conscious event is
the result of the collapse of wave function in MT activity. At each instant, and in a cohesive way,
the sum of the conscious events consists of what we call consciousness.
Evidence is badly needed to either
confirm or refute the ideas presented.
9. Microtubules and (string theory based) Density Matrix Mechanics (II):
Quantum Psychophysics (p. 54)
Any scientifically sound theory of
brain function has not only to provide a credible picture of what is happening
microscopically, but it should also accommodate naturally all phenomena
observed at the macroscopic level; ie personality
level as described by psychology, including feelings, desires, intentions,
cognitions, reasoning, decisions, etc.
Our scheme appears to be able to fit
the Jamesian psychology of consciousness and the
Freudian psychology of the unconscious.
The connection between Jamesian views of consciousness and
James vigorously opposed the
prevalent belief at that time that feelings can have no causal efficacy. For
James, consciousness is primarily a selecting agency, being present when
choices must be made. He also argued for the unity of each conscious thought;
the whole thought is the proper element of psychology, not some collection of
elementary components out of which thoughts are assumed to be formed by
aggregation. Jame’s views of consciousness are
mapped, almost one to one, to our theory of brain function. Nanopoulos’
thesis is that every conscious event is the psychological counterpart of a
related synchordic collapse event in the brain, that
triggers a specific neural activity; ie MT dynamics;
that is, there is an isomorphism, or one to one mapping, between mental events
and neural patterns.
To complete this isomorphism, we
have to consider the preliminary phase that “prepares” the specific
set of superimposed MT quantum states for collapse, from which only one will be
chosen. This brings us to Freud, who believed that consciousness is only a thin
slice of the total mind, much of which, as an iceberg, lies below the surface
of awareness. He believed that the work of scientific psychology is to
translate unconscious processes into conscious ones. He argued that the
personality is a complex psychic energy system. He insisted that there is
nothing mystical, vitalistic, or supernatural about
psychic energy. There is a continuous transformation of bodily energy into
psychic and vice versa.
A mental event, according to Freud,
is conscious or not, depending on the magnitude of energy invested in it and
the intensity of the resisting force. Freud assumed that we can be conscious of
only one thing at a time, but that by a constant shifting of energy among ideas,
memory, perception and feeling provides for a wide range of conscious awareness
in a short time. The perceptual system is like a radar mechanism which rapidly
scans the world and comes to focus on objects of desire or danger. Threatening
events can be repressed. Dreams are filled with disguised or symbolic
representations of repressed desires.
There is a stunning resemblance
between Freud’s theories and the author’s concept of brain
function. “Since his time, ample evidence has accumulated from the study
of neurosis, hypnotism, and parapraxes to show that
his basic views on the unconscious were essentially correct.”
[Within the behavioural
sciences, and specifically with the Jungian school, there is also the belief
that Freud’s views were too limited, focusing on neurosis rather than
health.]
Freud’s transformations
between psychic and bodily energy corresponds to the exchange of energy between
the W1-world, or physically attainable world of localizable states
and the W2-world or global states, as indicated in Equation 3. In
the development of this equation, it is found that energy is conserved. The
“preparation” of superimposed MT quantum states corresponds to
Freud’s “preconscious state”: if they can easily
“straighten up” the relevant states, synchordic
collapse occurs easily; or to his “unconscious state” if they have
no effect on those states; ie no synchordic
collapse. Our understanding of the theory of synchordic
collapse in dream states corresponds to Freud’s views on dreams.
Freud’s terms are
psychological, while Nanopoulos’ terms are
structural. It is in this sense that we consider the mental world as somehow
isomorphic to the W2-world of physical global states that help to
“prepare” and dismantle, by synchordic
collapse, the relevant superimposed MT quantum states of the W1-attainable
physical world. The MT K-codes are important in completing Nanopoulos’ theoretical isomorphism between the
mental world and the W2-world, by acting as a translation dictionary
between psychological orders and physiological actions. There is nothing mystical or
supernatural about the W2-world global states or their interaction
with the W1-attainable physical world states, except that, because
of their delocalized nature, novel properties may emerge A description or some examples of the W2-world global states, apart
from the mental world, would be very helpful here. Through our
isomorphism, these novel properties are transmitted to the mental world, which
is thus an emerging part of the physical world, but with distinct (local)
qualities.
In particle physics, at high
energies, we only talk about electroweak interactions, and only at low energies
we may talk about “effective”
electromagnetic and weak interactions. Similarly, in a unified theory sense, we
should talk about the physical world (W) only when all states, localized and
delocalized are accounted for, and talk about the attainable physical world (W1)
and the mental world and their interactions (ie, an
“effectively emerging dual world”)
only when the delocalized states are truncated, which is what happens most of
the time. This theory of brain function is compatible with the thought of
Empedocles (490-430 B.C.), who ascribed to the whole universe the same
animistic principle as is manifest in each individual organism. Formulation of
the principle of conservation of energy, by Helmholtz,
made possible the view that human beings are energy systems. Freud extended
physical dynamics to include the personality. This led to dynamical psychology,
which studies energy transformation within the personality, as well as between
the personality and the physical body.
This unified theory of brain
dynamics is consistent with the known laws of physics, including conservation
of energy, and at the same time provides answers to questions such as what is
consciousness; solves the binding problem or unitary sense of self; and
explains free will. Since the truncation of global delocalized states is due to
synchordic collapse, (by which a local observation is
made) consciousness is “nothing but” a localized aspect of a global
integrative process. Nanopoulos’ theory places
human consciousness in the workings of a non-local global process that links
the universe together, defying classical physics and common sense. It seems we
are intimately and integrally connected to the same global process that is
actively creating the universe.
A central organizing principle seems
to be at work which Nanopoulos calls the Protean
Principle. This new view is a truly scientific paradigm shift. Some have
already started talking about the brain man, at the dawn of the Third Wave. [Reference to a book The
Third Wave by Alvin Toffler, published in 1984.] This is just the dawn of the homo quantum.
D.V. Nanopoulos
Center for Theoretical Physics,
paper: http://xxx.lanl.gov/abs/hep-ph/9505374