This video features a lecture by Roger Penrose on the nature of consciousness and its relationship to computation. Penrose argues that consciousness is not solely a computational process and explores the implications of Gödel's incompleteness theorem and quantum mechanics in understanding consciousness.
Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem and Computability: Penrose discusses Gödel's theorem, highlighting that there are true mathematical statements unprovable within a given axiomatic system. He links this to the idea that consciousness involves an understanding beyond pure computation.
The Limitations of Computational Models of Consciousness: Penrose argues against the idea that consciousness can be fully explained by computational models, suggesting that the physical processes underlying consciousness are non-computable.
Quantum Mechanics and Consciousness: Penrose connects the non-computable aspects of consciousness to the "collapse of the wave function" in quantum mechanics, proposing that this non-computable process might be fundamental to consciousness. He distinguishes between classical and quantum reality, noting the peculiar behavior of quantum reality concerning time.
The Role of Microtubules: Penrose mentions the work of Stuart Hameroff, suggesting that microtubules within the brain might play a crucial role in the quantum processes underlying consciousness.
Quantum Reality and Temporal Ordering: Penrose suggests that the non-computable aspects of consciousness, possibly related to quantum reality, could explain puzzling observations about the timing of conscious experiences, such as those observed in Libet's experiments.
