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
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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.

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