Consciousness

This book introduces readers to the contemporary problem of consciousness, providing a clear introduction to the overall landscape and a fair-minded critical survey of various theories of consciousness. Beginning with essential historical background to the problem of consciousness, Rocco Gennaro explores the following key topics and debates:

• the metaphysical problem of consciousness, including varieties of dualism and materialism;
• consciousness and neuroscience, particularly the question of whether consciousness can be reduced to brain activity or attentional mechanisms;
• representational and cognitive theories of consciousness;
• consciousness and psychopathology;
• animals, machines, and consciousness.

Extensive use is made of interesting phenomena throughout the book, ranging from blindsight, synaesthesia, and change blindness to phantom limb syndrome, split-brain cases, and dissociative identity disorder (DID).

The inclusion of chapter summaries, annotated further reading, and a glossary make this book essential reading for anyone seeking a clear and informative overview of the problem of consciousness, not only in philosophy but related fields such as psychology and cognitive science.