A Dialogue on Consciousness (Paperback)

Robert J. Howell

ISBN 10: 0195375297 / ISBN 13: 9780195375299

Published by Oxford University Press Inc, New York, 2009

About this Item

Paperback. In recent years, the problem of consciousness has developed into one of the most important and hotly contested areas in the philosophy of mind. Many philosophers regard consciousness as an entirely physical phenomenon, yet it seems to elude scientific explanation. On the other hand, viewing consciousness as a nonphysical phenomenon brings up even larger issues. If consciousness is not physical, how can it be explained? Concise, up-to-date,and engaging, A Dialogue on Consciousness explores these issues in depth. It features two main characters, Tollens and Ponens--unemployed graduate students who secretly live in a university library--who bring thedebate alive. Tollens and Ponens examine the most significant theories and arguments in the field, quoting key passages from both classic and contemporary texts. Their discussion encompasses an expansive and diverse range of ideas, from those that originated in the Enlightenment up to today's most current perspectives. The dialogue concludes with a consideration of the pros and cons of modern physicalist views and nonphysicalist alternatives. An extensive annotated list of suggested readingsdirects readers to the most relevant and helpful primary sources. An accessible and entertaining introduction to this complex issue, A Dialogue on Consciousness ideal for courses inphilosophy of mind and consciousness. It also serves as an excellent supplement to introductory philosophy courses. A Dialogue on Consciousness introduces readers to the debate about consciousness and physicalism, starting with its origins in Descartes, through a lively and entertaining dialogue between unemployed graduate students, who, secretly living in a university library, discuss major theories and quote passages from classic and contemporary texts in search of an answer. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780195375299

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Dialogue on Consciousness (Paperback)
• Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc, New York
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0195375297
• ISBN 13: 9780195375299
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

In recent years, the problem of consciousness has developed into one of the most important and hotly contested areas in the philosophy of mind. Many philosophers regard consciousness as an entirely physical phenomenon, yet it seems to elude scientific explanation. On the other hand, viewing consciousness as a nonphysical phenomenon brings up even larger issues. If consciousness is not physical, how can it be explained?
Concise, up-to-date, and engaging, A Dialogue on Consciousness explores these issues in depth. It features two main characters, Tollens and Ponens--unemployed graduate students who secretly live in a university library--who bring the debate alive. Tollens and Ponens examine the most significant theories and arguments in the field, quoting key passages from both classic and contemporary texts. Their discussion encompasses an expansive and diverse range of ideas, from those that originated in the Enlightenment up to today's most current perspectives. The dialogue concludes with a consideration of the pros and cons of modern physicalist views and nonphysicalist alternatives. An extensive annotated list of suggested readings directs readers to the most relevant and helpful primary sources.
An accessible and entertaining introduction to this complex issue, A Dialogue on Consciousness ideal for courses in philosophy of mind and consciousness. It also serves as an excellent supplement to introductory philosophy courses.

About the Author

Torin Alter is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Alabama. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from UCLA. Robert J. Howell is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Southern Methodist University. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Brown University.