The Complementary Principle, Concept of Filter and Cognition Process

Abstract

The complementary principle was introduced by Niels Bohr to explain the mutually exclusive aspects of quantum entities like electron, photon etc. Since Bohr’s elaboration, it has been extensively discussed in many branches of science. This principle states that two aspects of a quantum entity, such as wave and particle aspects, cannot be measured simultaneously in a single experiment with infinite precision. Immediately it gives rise to serious ontological issues related to quantum reality. However, developments of understanding in neuroscience lead us to introduce a principle like complementary principle for understanding the functioning of the brain. It is clear from the neurophysiological data that there exist distinct regions responsible for mutually exclusive behaviors such as motor and cognitive, but there may also be other regions that are responsible for both kinds of behaviors. A generalized principle of complementarity has been introduced by the author and his collaborator to describe the response and percept domain using the concept of quantum filters. The quantum filters are generally used for selective measurements. It is shown that the existence of motor and cognitive behaviors can be explained by this principle. This sheds new light on understanding the functioning of the brain and cognitive activities.