Consciousness, Quantum Mechanics, and the Limits of Scientific Objectivism

The authors argue that both consciousness, due to its subjective character, and quantum mechanics, due to observer-dependent features like measurement, sit in tension with a traditional scientific worldview. This worldview is defined by three theses: non-relationalism (properties exist independently of relations), non-fragmentation (reality is not split into incompatible perspectives), and one world (a single unified reality). The paper maps three possible shifts away from this package. A relationalist response makes properties depend on relations or observers. A fragmentalist response allows reality to be divided into fragments with different properties. A many-subjective-worlds response accepts multiple subjective realities rather than one objective one. Each option is presented with initial advantages and drawbacks in a high-level conceptual discussion. The work is programmatic, aiming to draw attention to these options rather than defend one in detail.