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Panpsychism is a philosophical theory that asserts all entities, from electrons to humans, possess some form of consciousness or mental properties. This idea posits that consciousness is fundamental and ubiquitous within the universe, present in every particle and wave of matter.

The concept of panpsychism dates back to ancient times, with variations seen in ancient Greek and Indian philosophies. However, modern discussion surrounding this topic can be attributed to William James and Bertrand Russell, who wrote extensively on the subject in the early 20th century. One of the most influential panpsychists of recent times is philosopher Alfred North Whitehead.

Panpsychism is often categorized into two main branches: broad and narrow. Broad panpsychism posits that all forms of matter possess some degree of consciousness or mental properties. Narrow panpsychism, on the other hand, suggests that only basic entities, such as electrons or atoms, possess these properties, which then combine to form more complex conscious entities.

Supporters of panpsychism argue that it provides a naturalistic and philosophical explanation for the emergence of consciousness in the universe. Panpsychism also proposes to address the "hard problem" of consciousness, which is the question of why we have subjective experiences at all. Critics argue that panpsychism is incompatible with materialism and may lead to absurd conclusions when extrapolated to extreme levels of consciousness or matter. Panpsychism remains a topic of debate among philosophers and scientists, with diverse perspectives and new research combining physics and philosophy to explore the theory further. The concept of panpsychism serves as a foundational base for understanding the nature of consciousness, inviting exploration and discussion between philosophers and physicists.