The Nature of Consciousness: Philosophical Debates - Hardcover

3.94 out of 5 stars

49 ratings by Goodreads

9780262023993: The Nature of Consciousness: Philosophical Debates

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0262023997 ISBN 13: 9780262023993

Publisher: Bradford Books, 1997

View all copies of this ISBN edition

1 Used

From US$ 54.94

0 New

It's an exciting time to think about consciousness. This book is a collection of essays that represent the cornerstone of contemporary philosophical thinking on the subject.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review

Almost everyone agrees that we possess consciousness, but as this book demonstrates, that's where the agreement ends. What can we say about the mind without fear of contradiction? Not much, and that's how the study of consciousness stands out from other scientific and philosophical endeavors--the field's great minds argue cogently with little common ground, and nothing is safe from questioning.

For the adventurous and thoughtful reader, this is a paradise on the frontiers of knowledge. The Nature of Consciousness presumes a basic familiarity with science and philosophy, as well as a willingness to think and read carefully. With articles by such bright lights as Daniel Dennett, John Searle, Patricia Smith Churchland, and even the great William James, it provides both a comprehensive overview of the field and in-depth analyses of such issues as the mind-body problem and how we can study a phenomenon that may not be observed directly. It is best read as an update on Western scientific and philosophical replies to one of the great questions: Who are we? Given the universal appeal of such a question, the reader will undoubtedly find much within to challenge, puzzle, frustrate, and delight. --Rob Lightner

From the Back Cover

Intended for anyone attempting to find their way through the large and confusingly interwoven literature on consciousness, this reader brings together most of the principal theoretical works in philosophy and neuropsychology on consciousness. Its extensive coverage strikes a careful balance between seminal works of the past few decades and the leading edge of philosophical research on consciousness.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.