The Origins of Self (Paperback)

Stephen J. Brewer

ISBN 10: 1484080939 / ISBN 13: 9781484080931

Published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014

About this Item

Paperback. "I will show you fear in a handful of dust" (T. S. Eliot: The Wasteland) How can dust and water become a conscious living person capable of fear? The way these elements are transformed into life is sketched out, but it's our conscious minds, our intensity of being in a flood of emotions; this is the big problem that science has so far failed to explain. Freya, a biologist, is dissatisfied with the way evolution has no explanation for her own self. Instead, science treats people as robots with any self-awareness considered an illusion. In this way, it destroys our humanity. Max explains that given the chemical basis of life, this is the only possible conclusion. On the brink of accepting this unpalatable fact, she meets with Orin. Together they explore the unthinkable, that the basis of consciousness and self is present in the underlying operations of the universe. These skillfully constructed dialogues explain how the process philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead and panpsychism (primordial universal consciousness) can explain the evolution of not only bodies but also of life, self and consciousness. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781484080931

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Origins of Self (Paperback)
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication Date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1484080939
• ISBN 13: 9781484080931
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

“I will show you fear in a handful of dust” (T. S. Eliot: The Wasteland) How can dust and water become a conscious living person capable of fear? The way these elements are transformed into life is sketched out, but it's our conscious minds, our intensity of being in a flood of emotions; this is the big problem that science has so far failed to explain. Freya, a biologist, is dissatisfied with the way evolution has no explanation for her own self. Instead, science treats people as robots with any self-awareness considered an illusion. In this way, it destroys our humanity. Max explains that given the chemical basis of life, this is the only possible conclusion. On the brink of accepting this unpalatable fact, she meets with Orin. Together they explore the unthinkable, that the basis of consciousness and self is present in the underlying operations of the universe. These skillfully constructed dialogues explain how the process philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead and panpsychism (primordial universal consciousness) can explain the evolution of not only bodies but also of life, self and consciousness.

About the Author

Steve Brewer likes to find out how things work and fix them. This explains his interest in science, philosophy and DIY. After studying Biochemistry at London University and being awarded a Doctorate in Microbial Physiology at Bristol University, Steve pursued a career in both the UK and USA discovering and developing medicines. He now lives in Cornwall, England pursuing his interest in science and philosophy, as well as fixing things.