Consciousness: Philosophical, Psychological, and Neural TheoriesConsciousness is a state of being aware - of our self, of our surroundings, of our place in those surroundings. Yet what makes us conscious? What neural processes drive our awareness, and how do these processes relate to what we think of as our mind? Consciousness: Philosophical, Psychological, and Neural Theories seeks to respond to some of these questions, offering a wealth of information from which the reader can develop their own views of the subject. Taking a critical, thought-provoking approach, the book integrates studies from philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience to capture the major themes on which our current understanding of consciousness is based. Opening with a series of chapters that introduce us to thinking about mind, the book goes on to explore function and brain, examining such topics as functionalism, representation, and brain dynamics. Understanding consciousness remains one of today's greatest challenges. Consciousness: Philosophical, Psychological, and Neural Theories demystifies what is known about the interface of brain and mind, and offers intriguing insights into what remains to be discovered. Online Resource Centre The Online Resource Centre features figures from the book available to download to facilitate lecture preparation. |
Contents
Philosophical approaches | 3 |
The history of the mindbody problem | 16 |
The philosophy of neuroscience | 59 |
Copyright | |
11 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
action potentials analysed anatomical area V1 argument arises attention awareness axons Baars behaviour brain cerebral cortex chapter circuit cognitive colour complex computational concepts connections consciousness cortical areas Dennett described dualism dynamic emergent property episodic memory example exist experience explain feedback Figure SB firing Fodor frontal lobe functionalist higher-order hippocampus homuncular functionalism idea identity theory intentionality interactions involve kind layers lesions level of description linked long-term memory loop meaning mechanisms mental mind modules motor nerve cells neural network neurons neuroscience object occur oscillations output parietal parietal lobe particular pathways pattern of activity perception philosophy Philosophy of Mind physical problem processing psychology qualia regions relevant representation reticular nucleus role semantic single stages stimulus structure studies suggest swampman synapses teleological Teleological functionalism thalamic reticular nucleus thalamus thoughts top-down types versus visual cortex visual system words Zeki