Revisiting Consciousness in Physics: A Brain-Centric Approach
Martin Ciupa
AI Entrepreneur. Keynote Speaker, Interests in: AI/Cybernetics, Physics, Consciousness Studies/Neuroscience, Philosophy: Ethics/Ontology/Maths/Science. Life and Love.
Revisiting Consciousness in Physics: A Brain-Centric Approach
“Experience only makes sense if the observer is regarded as a part of the system.” – John von Neumann
1/ Introduction
The role of consciousness in understanding the universe has been a point of contention since the inception of quantum mechanics. Many of the early founders of quantum theory, including John von Neumann, recognized the profound implications of the observer’s role in shaping reality. Von Neumann’s insight that the observer is inseparable from the system being observed highlighted the inadequacy of classical physics in fully describing the complexities of quantum phenomena. Yet, despite these revolutionary beginnings, mainstream physics took a turn away from such ideas, embracing materialism and sidelining the philosophical implications of consciousness.
2/ The Rise of Materialism and the Marginalization of Consciousness
The mid-20th century saw the dominance of analytic philosophy in academic circles, a school of thought that prioritized empirical evidence and logical rigour while rejecting metaphysical speculation. This intellectual movement, combined with the cultural momentum of positivism, led physics and neuroscience to adopt a materialist framework. In this paradigm, consciousness was reduced to an epiphenomenon—a mere byproduct of neural activity with no fundamental role in the fabric of reality.
This shift had profound consequences. Neuroscience, influenced by eliminative materialism, sought to explain the mind by eliminating mental states and focusing purely on physical processes. Meanwhile, physics largely ignored the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics, focusing instead on developing predictive models without grappling with the observer’s role in shaping those models. This materialist trajectory also became culturally intertwined with anti-theism, a reaction against religious conservatism that further marginalized open discussions of consciousness in scientific discourse.
3/ Stagnation in Physics Since the 1960s
The materialist worldview that dominated the latter half of the 20th century coincided with a period of stagnation in physics. While the Standard Model of particle physics and general relativity achieved tremendous success in their respective domains, efforts to unify these theories into a coherent framework have faltered. String theory, loop quantum gravity, and other approaches to a “Theory of Everything” have yet to provide empirical breakthroughs, leaving fundamental questions about the universe unanswered.
This stagnation suggests that the current physics framework may need to be completed. By refusing to engage seriously with the role of consciousness, physics has potentially overlooked a critical piece of the puzzle. After all, the observer effect in quantum mechanics—a core aspect of the theory—directly challenges the materialist assumption of an objective, observer-independent reality. Von Neumann and other pioneers recognized this, yet their insights have been largely sidelined.
4/ Toward a Brain-Centric Physics
To overcome this impasse, we must adopt a more open-minded approach that revisits the foundational ideas of quantum mechanics and integrates consciousness into the framework of physics. A brain-centric perspective, such as the Brain-Centric Many-Worlds Interpretation (BC-MBWI), offers a promising path forward. This approach posits that consciousness is not merely an emergent property of matter but a fundamental aspect of reality that actively shapes the physical world.
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Brain-centric physics challenges the classical divide between the observer and the observed, emphasizing that observation is not passive but participatory. By recognizing the inseparability of the observer and the system, we can develop new models that account for the role of consciousness in shaping phenomena. Such an approach aligns with the philosophical insights of von Neumann and others, who understood that reality is not a fixed entity but a dynamic interplay between the mind and the external world.
5: Implications and Opportunities
Integrating consciousness into physics opens up a host of possibilities. It could provide fresh insights into long-standing problems, such as the measurement problem in quantum mechanics and the nature of dark energy and matter. It may also inspire new interdisciplinary approaches, bridging physics, neuroscience, and philosophy to explore questions about the nature of reality, time, and existence itself.
Moreover, a brain-centric approach could lead to practical applications in fields such as artificial intelligence, where understanding the relationship between consciousness and computation is increasingly essential. Moving beyond materialist reductionism, we may unlock new paradigms for both fundamental science and technology.
6/ A Call for Open-Minded Inquiry
The history of science teaches us that progress often requires challenging, entrenched paradigms. Just as Einstein’s theory of relativity overturned Newtonian mechanics, the next scientific revolution may require us to move beyond the materialist framework that has dominated for so long. This does not mean abandoning empirical rigour or scientific method; rather, it means being willing to explore ideas that transcend the limits of materialism and acknowledge the profound role of consciousness in shaping reality.
John von Neumann’s words remind us that experience only makes sense when the observer is regarded as part of the system. By embracing this insight, we can take a step toward a more holistic understanding of the universe that honours the complexity of consciousness and its interplay with the physical world.
The time has come to reconsider consciousness's role in physics and forge a new path that integrates mind and matter. Only by doing so can we hope to overcome the current stagnation and uncover the deeper truths of our existence.
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PS: John von Neumann was widely regarded as one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th century, often described by his contemporaries as “the smartest man in the world.” Nobel laureate Hans Bethe famously said, “I have sometimes wondered whether a brain like von Neumann’s does not indicate a species superior to that of man.” Von Neumann’s unparalleled intellect spanned mathematics, physics, computer science, and even economics, leaving an indelible mark on each field. His ability to grasp and integrate complex concepts was legendary, with physicist Eugene Wigner remarking, “He was one of the few who could read a physics paper and see immediately what was important and what was not.” These accounts highlight von Neumann’s exceptional cognitive abilities, cementing his legacy as a genius whose insights continue to influence scientific thought.
It’s time to hear his voice again.