Quantum holism and the philosophy of mind

Author: Esfeld M.

Source: Journal of Consciousness Studies, Volume 6, Number 1, 1999 , pp. 23-38(16)

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Abstract:

This paper attempts to build a bridge between the interpretation of quantum theory and the philosophy of mind. In contrast to other such attempts, the bridge which this paper suggests does not consist in extending features of quantum theory to the philosophy of mind. The argument of this paper is that the discussion about a revision of the Cartesian tradition in current philosophy of mind is relevant to the interpretation of quantum theory: taking this discussion into account sharpens up the task for the interpretation of quantum physics as far as the scope of what is known as quantum holism is concerned. In particular, considering this discussion makes out a strong case against the interpretation that considers quantum holism to be universal in the physical realm.

Keywords: Cartesianism; representationalism; quantum mechanics; non-separability; internalism; holism; externalism; entanglement; direct realism

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: University of Konstanz, Center for Philosophy of Science, PO Box 5560 D24, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany. Email: Michael.Esfeld@uni-konstanz.de

Publication date: 1999-01-01