Physics in Mind

A Quantum View of the Brain

By: Werner R. Loewenstein

Narrated by: Walter Dixon

Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

No one can escape a sense of awe when reflecting on the workings of the mind: we see, we hear, we feel, we are aware of the world around us. But what is the mind? What do we mean when we say we are “aware” of something? What is this peculiar state in our heads, at once utterly familiar and bewilderingly mysterious, that we call awareness or consciousness?

In Physics in Mind, eminent biophysicist Werner R. Loewenstein argues that to answer these questions, we must first understand the physical mechanisms that underlie the workings of the mind. And so begins an exhilarating journey along the sensory data stream of the brain, which shows how our most complex organ processes the vast amounts of information coming in through our senses to create a coherent, meaningful picture of the world. Bringing information theory to bear on recent advances in the neurosciences, Loewenstein reveals a web of immense computational power inside the brain. He introduces the revolutionary idea that quantum mechanics could be fundamental to how our minds almost instantaneously deal with staggering amounts of information, as in the case of the information streaming through our eyes.

Combining cutting-edge research in neuroscience and physics, Loewenstein presents an ambitious hypothesis about the parallel processing of sensory information that is the heart, hub, and pivot of the cognitive brain. Wide-ranging and brimming with insight, Physics in Mind breaks new ground in our understanding of how the mind works.

©2013 Werner Loewenstein (P)2013 Gildan Media LLC

Critic Reviews

“[An] absorbing account.... [Loewenstein’s] audiobook is vital and wide-ranging, exploring everything from the structure of time to the phenomenon of gut feelings, the color of white and the reach of our senses, and why we’ve adapted to notice the anomaly rather than the norm." (Jane Smiley, Harper’s)

Tour de force in writing and narration

I have been interested in consciousness theory for some time. This book is perhaps the best I have read or heard of this type, Werner R Loewenstein clearly explains the genesis and evolution of the nervous system. he also, gives up-to-date detailed discussions of the of the answer to the simple problem of consciousness that is where in the brain is it located. He is an artistic and skillful writer, and gives the best explanation that I have read as to why we evolved to be conscious. As to the difficult problem of consciousness; how we are aware, creative, and artistic; he remains strictly objective and scientific. He views the human brain has basically a exquisite computer, but leaves open the possibility that quantum computing, just like quantum sensing, may open new possibilities for explanation.

Walter Dixons narration is excellent,and could not be improved upon. I like the book in audible form so much that I bought a visual version so that I can see the illustrations and review the references.

Difficult to follow and erroneous

Main tenant: because brain computes in parallel it must be quantum is wrong and lacking. It is also very difficult to follow certain arguments because of a lack of directness in explanation. At times interesting but overall a waste of 7hrs