# Quantum consciousness theories Quantum consciousness theories propose that quantum mechanical phenomena play a role in [[Consciousness]]. The most prominent is Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch OR), proposed by physicist Roger Penrose and anesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff, which suggests quantum computations in microtubules within neurons generate conscious experience. Penrose argued that Gödel's incompleteness theorems show human understanding transcends algorithmic computation, requiring quantum effects. These theories remain highly controversial. Most neuroscientists and physicists argue the brain is too "warm and wet" for quantum coherence to persist long enough to matter—quantum effects decohere almost instantly at biological temperatures. Critics like [[Daniel Dennett]] and [[Patricia Churchland]] view quantum consciousness as a "mystery appealing to a mystery," explaining one hard problem with another. ## Major Theories | Theory | Proponents | |--------|------------| | **Orch OR** | Penrose, Hameroff | | **Quantum brain dynamics** | Umezawa, Vitiello | | **Holonomic brain** | Pribram | ## References - Penrose, R. (1994). *Shadows of the Mind* - Hameroff, S. & Penrose, R. (2014). "Consciousness in the universe" ## Related - [[Consciousness]] - [[Philosophy of Mind]] - [[Neuroscience]]