Abstract

Classical mechanistic models of the mind often fail to capture the complex intricate interplay of human emotions and cognitive processes, particularly their interconnected and evolving nature. Recent advancements in quantum cognition suggest that thoughts and feelings may be influenced by principles analogous to those in quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement. This paper examines the concept of emergence through destruction, a framework in which the collapse of potential emotional or cognitive states leads to the emergence of new attributes. The collapse of these states can be understood as an emergent phenomenon shaped by both intention and attention. In scenarios involving multiple potential mental states—whether in decision-making, perception, or thought—conscious focus serves as a selective way that transforms a superposition of possibilities into a single, actualized experience. This process, similar to the quantum observer effect, underscores that conscious attention is not a passive observation but an active force that shapes reality. Building on Bohm’s interpretation of active information, this collapse is seen as not merely a reduction of potential states but an informational process that channels possibilities into concrete forms. As one cognitive experience materializes, others recede into the background, yet this selection process simultaneously fosters the emergence of new properties or cognitive patterns. This dynamic mirrors the quantum measurement process, where observation reduces possibilities and enables new forms of emergence.