Quanta, Mind
& Agency
ORGANIZED BY QFQI RESEARCH GROUP, BHAKTIVEDANTA INSTITUTE, KOLKATA
About the Lecture Series
Explore the subtle, interconnected, and counterintuitive nature of quantum physics, and delve into the fascinating dialogue connecting agency, free will, and intention.
"Phenomena such as nonlocality, entanglement, and the observer's role challenge the classical picture of an entirely objective reality."
Over the past decade, foundational questions in quantum physics—such as subjectivity, the meaning of the wavefunction, non-locality, free will, and the role of agency—as well as philosophical inquiries into the nature of consciousness, selfhood, mind, and free will, have increasingly transcended traditional disciplinary boundaries.
At the same time, recent advances in quantum foundations, including agent-based approaches, have provided new perspectives on long-standing paradoxes. These frameworks explore how agent-dependent descriptions can be consistently formulated within quantum theory while also examining the scope and limits of purely third-person or objective accounts.
In this spirit, the lecture series on Quanta, Mind & Agency aims to examine whether agency and intention genuinely exist and, if so, whether they play any role in physical processes. It also explores how subjectivity enters into interpretations of quantum mechanics, whether and how conscious observation figures in physical theory, and what the relationship between mind and matter might be.
Core Topics to be Explored
Uncertainty, Entanglement & Free Will
Subjectivity in Physics
Quantum Information & Mind
Brain, Mind & Quantum Physics
Information, Intention, and Agency
What Awaits You Online
Talks by Experts & Learned Scholars
Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Interactive Q&A Sessions
The Distinguished Speakers
Dr. Eric Cavalcanti
Associate Professor, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
Dr. Bob Doyle
Founder, Information Philosophy Project, USA
Dr. Emily Adlam
Chapman University, California, USA
Dr. Markus P. Müller
Austrian Academy of Sciences (IQOQI), Vienna, Austria
Lecture Series Schedule
All timings formatted in India Standard Time (IST). Click individual day tabs to navigate details. Save talks to build your personalized itinerary and view lecture abstracts.
Participant joining period
Allowing the Participants to Join
Welcome Address
Delivered by Vasudeva Rao (IIT Kanpur Alumnus), President of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, Kolkata.
Featured Talk by Dr. Eric Cavalcanti
Lecture: Friendly Thoughts on Local Friendliness
Question & Answer Session
Vote of Thanks
Conclusive address summarizing key insights and outlining the schedule for Day 2.
Attendee Q&A Submit Board
Submit questions in advance to our speakers using the link : Question Form. Questions submitted here have a higher probability of being presented directly in live Q/A Sessions.
Eligibility & Certification Policy
Who is Eligible to Attend?
UG, PG and PhD Students
Active undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral research scholars across scientific, philosophical and cognitive domains.
Educators and Professionals
Academicians, university lecturers, industry professionals and independent scholars.
E-Certificate Requirements
Online Registration
Attendance is entirely free, but registration is mandatory to receive secure Zoom virtual access credentials and qualify for the academic E-Certificate.
Official Google Form Registration
Please complete the official registration form to secure your virtual credentials, schedule updates, and qualify for the official E-certificate.
Scan the QR code with your mobile camera or scanner app to open the registration form instantly on your phone.
Our Events related to the theme
Summer School 2025
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Summer School 2024
View DetailsOur Publications related to the theme
Bhaktivedanta Institute
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