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arXiv · 2604.14234

Consciousness, Quantum Mechanics, and the Limits of Scientific Objectivism

John B. DeBrota·Christian List
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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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John B. DeBrota, Christian List. 2026-04-14. Consciousness, Quantum Mechanics, and the Limits of Scientific Objectivism. https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.14234

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