Ideas from 'Could a computer ever understand?' by Roger Penrose [1998], by Theme Structure

[found in 'Mapping the Mind' by Carter,Rita [Phoenix 2000,0-75381-019-0]].

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15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 1. Consciousness / e. Cause of consciousness
Quantum states in microtubules could bind brain activity to produce consciousness
                        Full Idea: I propose that microtubules in nerve cells could give rise to a stable quantum state that would bind the activity of brain cells throughout the cerebrum and in doing so give rise to consciousness.
                        From: Roger Penrose (Could a computer ever understand? [1998], p.329)
                        A reaction: This seems to offer a physical theory to account for the 'unity' of the mind (which so impressed Descartes), but I don't quite see why being aware of things would ensue from some 'quantum binding'. I daresay 'quantum binding' occurs in the Sun.