Consciousness, Quantum Mechanics, and the Limits of Scientific Objectivism

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2604.14234v1
• Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:26:22 GMT
• Title: Consciousness, Quantum Mechanics, and the Limits of Scientific Objectivism
• Abstract summary: Consciousness and quantum mechanics are among the most puzzling phenomena studied in the sciences.<n>Some scholars suggest they are related, though others think this claim commits a "minimization of mystery" fallacy.<n>The aim of this paper is to draw attention to a less widely discussed parallel between consciousness and quantum mechanics: both challenge the classical objectivist worldview of science.
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• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: Consciousness and quantum mechanics are among the most puzzling phenomena studied in the sciences. Some scholars suggest they are related, though others think this claim commits a "minimization of mystery" fallacy. The aim of this programmatic paper is to draw attention to a less widely discussed parallel between consciousness and quantum mechanics: both challenge the classical objectivist worldview of science. Under certain assumptions, they are each in tension with a package of metaphysical theses -- "non-relationalism", "non-fragmentation", and "one world" -- that jointly make up that worldview. This points to three distinct non-objectivist responses: the "relationalist", "fragmentalist", and "many-subjective-worlds" ones. We will map out their pros and cons.

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