Quantum and Qualia

Vector Radio
  • 5.0 (3)
  • LIFE SCIENCES

Explore the boundaries of perception, time, reality, and consciousness. Each week, we take a deep dive into a new research paper, ranging from the foundations of physics to cognitive science. New episodes every Wednesday. Powered by NotebookLM.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    Attention Constructs Reality Using Quantum Logic

    In this episode, we break down “Quantum-like Qualia hypothesis: from quantum cognition to quantum perception,” a paper proposing the Quantum-like Qualia (QQ) hypothesis, which treats subjective experiences as quantum-like observables rather than fixed points in a mental space. The authors argue that attention functions like a measurement that changes what is experienced, and reframe perception as a dynamic state that yields probabilistic outcomes, making some qualia effectively indeterminate until they are brought into focus. We unpack how this framework uses quantum probability to explain order effects in similarity judgments and predicts Bell-inequality-style violations in perception, and why it matters for building rigorous models of consciousness without claiming the brain is a literal quantum computer. The research paper referenced in this episode along with bonus content for visual learners can be found at https://quantumqualia.notion.site/sources

    18 min

  2. FEB 4

    Why Evolution Hid the Truth

    In this episode, we break down Donald Hoffman's Interface Theory of Perception, which argues that evolution favors fitness over veridical truth. The theory proposes that our senses function like a user interface, compressing reality into adaptive icons rather than accurate representations, and claims that natural selection actively drives true perception to extinction. We unpack how this reframes realism, perception, and consciousness, and why it has major implications for cognitive science and philosophy of mind. The research paper referenced in this episode along with bonus content for visual learners can be found at https://quantumqualia.notion.site/sources

    18 min

  3. JAN 28

    Cancer Is a Shrinking of the Self

    In this episode, we break down Michael Levin’s scale-free framework for the biological self, a view arguing that cognition and goal-directedness show up at every level of living systems. Levin argues that bioelectric signaling lets cells coordinate into higher-order agents that pursue coherent anatomical goals, and reframes disease states like cancer as a collapse of collective problem-solving into a narrow, short-term local horizon. We unpack his “cognitive light cone” rubric for measuring agency by how far an agent can sense and act across space and time, and why it matters for regenerative medicine, synthetic biology, and a new definition of “self” as an informational boundary rather than a specific material. The research paper referenced in this episode along with bonus content for visual learners can be found at https://quantumqualia.notion.site/sources

    20 min

  4. JAN 25

    Consciousness Is a Question Your Brain Asks

    In this episode, we break down “Qualia as Query: The Phenomenology of Predictive Error Coding,” a paper that links cognitive neuroscience and phenomenology to explain conscious experience. The author argues that qualia are not static mental “states,” but active query-like acts, and reframes the brain as an active inference system that continually tests predictions against sensory input. We unpack how this approach aims to bridge objective neural mechanisms with first-person experience, and why it matters for psychiatry and AI. The research paper referenced in this episode along with bonus content for visual learners can be found at https://quantumqualia.notion.site/sources

    18 min
  • 4 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Explore the boundaries of perception, time, reality, and consciousness. Each week, we take a deep dive into a new research paper, ranging from the foundations of physics to cognitive science. New episodes every Wednesday. Powered by NotebookLM.

Information

  • Creator
    Vector Radio
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Vector Radio 2026
  • Show Website
    Quantum and Qualia