Consciousness: An Introduction (2nd ed.)

Now in a new edition, this innovative text is the first volume to bring together all the major theories of consciousness studies--from those rooted in traditional Western philosophy to those coming out of neuroscience, quantum theory, and Eastern philosophy. Broadly interdisciplinary, Consciousness: An Introduction, Second Edition, is divided into nine sections that examine such topics as how subjective experiences arise from objective brain processes, the basic neuroscience and neuropathology of consciousness, altered states of consciousness, mystical experiences and dreams, and the effects of drugs and meditation. It also discusses the nature of self, the possibility of artificial consciousness in robots, and the question of whether or not animals are conscious.

PEDAGOGICAL FEATURES

* Profiles of important philosophers, psychologists, neuroscientists, and biologists involved in consciousness studies

* "Concept" text boxes that elucidate specific aspects of consciousness

* "Practice" and "Activity" text boxes that encourage students to engage in practical exercises in class and at home

* Bold marginal quotations that emphasize key ideas, and suggestions for further reading Read more Continue reading Read less REVIEW
"The main strength of Consciousness is that it covers all the cool stuff, all the consciousness phenomena that really capture the imagination. A great virtue is that the book is current; there hasn't been anything I wanted to talk about that isn't in it. You bet I will adopt the second edition."--William Lycan, University of North Carolina

"A strong virtue of Consciousness is that it is thoroughly interdisciplinary. Terrific coverage of attention and memory, empirical stuff, the unity of consciousness, damaged brains, hallucinations, and dreams--really first-rate material."--Andrew Pessin, Connecticut College

"Consciousness is an excellent companion to a primary source reader in a philosophy of mind course, or a stand-alone text in an introductory course on consciousness."--Lisa Portmess, Gettysburg College

BOOK DESCRIPTION
A groundbreaking and interdisciplinary exploration of "the the last great mystery of science" ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan Blackmore is a writer, lecturer, and Visiting Professor at the University of Plymouth, UK. She is the author of Conversations on Consciousness (2006) , A Very Short Introduction to Consciousness (2005) , and The Meme Machine (1999) , all published by Oxford University Press. Read more Continue reading Read less