Altered States of Consciousness

Experiences Out of Time and Self

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Medical, Specialties, Internal Medicine, Neuroscience, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Psychology
Cover of the book Altered States of Consciousness by Marc Wittmann, The MIT Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Marc Wittmann ISBN: 9780262347747
Publisher: The MIT Press Publication: August 10, 2018
Imprint: The MIT Press Language: English
Author: Marc Wittmann
ISBN: 9780262347747
Publisher: The MIT Press
Publication: August 10, 2018
Imprint: The MIT Press
Language: English

What altered states of consciousness—the dissolution of feelings of time and self—can tell us about the mystery of consciousness.

During extraordinary moments of consciousness—shock, meditative states and sudden mystical revelations, out-of-body experiences, or drug intoxication—our senses of time and self are altered; we may even feel time and self dissolving. These experiences have long been ignored by mainstream science, or considered crazy fantasies. Recent research, however, has located the neural underpinnings of these altered states of mind. In this book, neuropsychologist Marc Wittmann shows how experiences that disturb or widen our everyday understanding of the self can help solve the mystery of consciousness.

Wittmann explains that the relationship between consciousness of time and consciousness of self is close; in extreme circumstances, the experiences of space and self intensify and weaken together. He considers the emergence of the self in waking life and dreams; how our sense of time is distorted by extreme situations ranging from terror to mystical enlightenment; the experience of the moment; and the loss of time and self in such disorders as depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Dostoyevsky reported godly bliss during epileptic seizures; neurologists are now investigating the phenomenon of the epileptic aura. Wittmann describes new studies of psychedelics that show how the brain builds consciousness of self and time, and discusses pilot programs that use hallucinogens to treat severe depression, anxiety, and addiction.

If we want to understand our consciousness, our subjectivity, Wittmann argues, we must not be afraid to break new ground. Studying altered states of consciousness leads us directly to the heart of the matter: time and self, the foundations of consciousness.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

What altered states of consciousness—the dissolution of feelings of time and self—can tell us about the mystery of consciousness.

During extraordinary moments of consciousness—shock, meditative states and sudden mystical revelations, out-of-body experiences, or drug intoxication—our senses of time and self are altered; we may even feel time and self dissolving. These experiences have long been ignored by mainstream science, or considered crazy fantasies. Recent research, however, has located the neural underpinnings of these altered states of mind. In this book, neuropsychologist Marc Wittmann shows how experiences that disturb or widen our everyday understanding of the self can help solve the mystery of consciousness.

Wittmann explains that the relationship between consciousness of time and consciousness of self is close; in extreme circumstances, the experiences of space and self intensify and weaken together. He considers the emergence of the self in waking life and dreams; how our sense of time is distorted by extreme situations ranging from terror to mystical enlightenment; the experience of the moment; and the loss of time and self in such disorders as depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Dostoyevsky reported godly bliss during epileptic seizures; neurologists are now investigating the phenomenon of the epileptic aura. Wittmann describes new studies of psychedelics that show how the brain builds consciousness of self and time, and discusses pilot programs that use hallucinogens to treat severe depression, anxiety, and addiction.

If we want to understand our consciousness, our subjectivity, Wittmann argues, we must not be afraid to break new ground. Studying altered states of consciousness leads us directly to the heart of the matter: time and self, the foundations of consciousness.

More books from The MIT Press

Cover of the book The Terror of Evidence by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book Energy and Civilization by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book Knowledge Management in Theory and Practice by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book The New Librarianship Field Guide by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book Renewables by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book Building the Intentional University by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book What Do Science, Technology, and Innovation Mean from Africa? by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book Beyond Versus by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book The Illusion of Conscious Will by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book Bibliometrics and Research Evaluation by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book Hanan al-Cinema by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book An Aesthesia of Networks by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book Inborn Knowledge by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book Pirate Philosophy by Marc Wittmann
Cover of the book Chasing Men on Fire by Marc Wittmann
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy