The Conscious Mind : In Search of a Fundamental Theory

In Search of a Fundamental Theory

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Medical, Specialties, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Mind & Body
Cover of the book The Conscious Mind : In Search of a Fundamental Theory by David J. Chalmers, Oxford University Press, USA
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David J. Chalmers ISBN: 9780199839353
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA Publication: May 9, 1996
Imprint: Oxford University Press, USA Language: English
Author: David J. Chalmers
ISBN: 9780199839353
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Publication: May 9, 1996
Imprint: Oxford University Press, USA
Language: English

What is consciousness? How do physical processes in the brain give rise to the self-aware mind and to feelings as profoundly varied as love or hate aesthetic pleasure or spiritual yearning? These questions today are among the most hotly debated issues among scientists and philosophers and we have seen in recent years superb volumes by such eminent figures as Francis Crick Daniel C. Dennett Gerald Edelman and Roger Penrose all firing volleys in what has come to be called the consciousness wars. Now in The Conscious Mind philosopher David J. Chalmers offers a cogent analysis of this heated debate as he unveils a major new theory of consciousness one that rejects the prevailing reductionist trend of science while offering provocative insights into the relationship between mind and brain. Writing in a rigorous thought-provoking style the author takes us on a far-reaching tour through the philosophical ramifications of consciousness. Chalmers convincingly reveals how contemporary cognitive science and neurobiology have failed to explain how and why mental events emerge from physiological occurrences in the brain. He proposes instead that conscious experience must be understood in an entirely new light--as an irreducible entity (similar to such physical properties as time mass and space) that exists at a fundamental level and cannot be understood as the sum of its parts. And after suggesting some intriguing possibilities about the structure and laws of conscious experience he details how his unique reinterpretation of the mind could be the focus of a new science. Throughout the book Chalmers provides fascinating thought experiments that trenchantly illustrate his ideas. For example in exploring the notion that consciousness could be experienced by machines as well as humans Chalmers asks us to imagine a thinking brain in which neurons are slowly replaced by silicon chips that precisely duplicate their functions--as the neurons are replaced will consciousness gradually fade away? The book also features thoughtful discussions of how the author's theories might be practically applied to subjects as diverse as artificial intelligence and the interpretation of quantum mechanics. All of us have pondered the nature and meaning of consciousness. Engaging and penetrating The Conscious Mind adds a fresh new perspective to the subject that is sure to spark debate about our understanding of the mind for years to come.

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

What is consciousness? How do physical processes in the brain give rise to the self-aware mind and to feelings as profoundly varied as love or hate aesthetic pleasure or spiritual yearning? These questions today are among the most hotly debated issues among scientists and philosophers and we have seen in recent years superb volumes by such eminent figures as Francis Crick Daniel C. Dennett Gerald Edelman and Roger Penrose all firing volleys in what has come to be called the consciousness wars. Now in The Conscious Mind philosopher David J. Chalmers offers a cogent analysis of this heated debate as he unveils a major new theory of consciousness one that rejects the prevailing reductionist trend of science while offering provocative insights into the relationship between mind and brain. Writing in a rigorous thought-provoking style the author takes us on a far-reaching tour through the philosophical ramifications of consciousness. Chalmers convincingly reveals how contemporary cognitive science and neurobiology have failed to explain how and why mental events emerge from physiological occurrences in the brain. He proposes instead that conscious experience must be understood in an entirely new light--as an irreducible entity (similar to such physical properties as time mass and space) that exists at a fundamental level and cannot be understood as the sum of its parts. And after suggesting some intriguing possibilities about the structure and laws of conscious experience he details how his unique reinterpretation of the mind could be the focus of a new science. Throughout the book Chalmers provides fascinating thought experiments that trenchantly illustrate his ideas. For example in exploring the notion that consciousness could be experienced by machines as well as humans Chalmers asks us to imagine a thinking brain in which neurons are slowly replaced by silicon chips that precisely duplicate their functions--as the neurons are replaced will consciousness gradually fade away? The book also features thoughtful discussions of how the author's theories might be practically applied to subjects as diverse as artificial intelligence and the interpretation of quantum mechanics. All of us have pondered the nature and meaning of consciousness. Engaging and penetrating The Conscious Mind adds a fresh new perspective to the subject that is sure to spark debate about our understanding of the mind for years to come.

More books from Oxford University Press, USA

Cover of the book Oxford History of Western Music: 5-vol. set: 5-vol. set by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book Reverence : Renewing A Forgotten Virtue by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book Snake Oil Science:The Truth about Complementary and Alternative Medicine by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book Lost Christianities:The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book Guardians of the Revolution:Iran and the World in the Age of the Ayatollahs by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri : Volume 3: Paradiso by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book Gallipoli by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book The Cyprus Problem : What Everyone Needs to Know by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book The Art of Conversation Through Serious Illness:Lessons for Caregivers by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book Desperate Passage:The Donner Party's Perilous Journey West by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book Golden Harvest:Events at the Periphery of the Holocaust by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book Real Enemies : Conspiracy Theories And American Democracy, World War I To 9/11 by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book Social Injustice and Public Health by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book A Genius for Deception:How Cunning Helped the British Win Two World Wars by David J. Chalmers
Cover of the book Indirect Procedures: A Musician's Guide to the Alexander Technique by David J. Chalmers
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