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Re: saw an interesting show...

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The biggest proponent of a quantum mechanical explanation of consciousness is Roger Penrose, one of the top physicists of our time. His theory that some sort of quantum mechanical processes are occuring in the microtubules of our neurons is so far out it goes against all accepted science in the fields that are closest to the study of consciousness (neurobiology, neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, philosophy of mind etc.).

He should stick to physics, or else spend more time studying neuroscience and reviewing the philosophical literature before making grand proclamations about such a hot-button topic as consciousness. He is using his reputation in a completely unrelated field, trying to cross over. I can't blame him because consciousness and cognitive neuroscience are the among most exciting academic studies occuring (hence my majoring in cog neuro).

Try reading "Shadows of the Mind" and "Emporer's New Mind" [I think that's the title of the second book]. They're great as a review of physics and provocative in their musings about consciousness. Unfortunately his non-physics ideas don't hold up to scrutiny by the more established academics. (The Churchlands wrote one of the better reviews and Daniel Dennett has some choice things to say).

Andrew


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