Stuart Hameroff: Is the Human Brain a Quantum Computer? (#353)

Is the human brain a quantum computer? What is the Orch OR model of consciousness? And is there an afterlife for our quantum souls?

Here today to answer these questions and take us on a wild tour through consciousness, imagination, and the human brain is Dr. Stuart Hameroff! Stuart is a professor of anesthesiology and psychology at the University of Arizona and director of The Center for Consciousness Studies.

In this interview, we dive deep into Stuart’s research and his passion for everything consciousness, so make sure to check it out! 

Key Takeaways: 

• Intro (00:00)
• Judging the symposium by its cover (02:06)
• The Orch OR theory (06:44)
• The problem of free will (10:14)
• Elaborating on the Orch OR theory (13:00)
• How does anesthesia actually work? (26:23)
• Stuart’s interest in quantum physics (30:10)
• Artificial intelligence and brain organoids (33:55)
• AI, Neuralink, and other brain-computer interfaces (38:02)
• Audience questions (42:54)
• Outro (55:53)

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Into the Impossible with Brian Keating is a podcast dedicated to all those who want to explore the universe within and beyond the known.

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