Consciousness : An Introduction

Now in its fourth edition, this highly popular text is the definitive introduction to consciousness, exploring the key theories and evidence in consciousness studies ranging from neuroscience and psychology to quantum theories and philosophy. Written by mother and daughter author team Susan Blackmore and Emily Troscianko, the book examines why the term ‘consciousness’ has no recognised definition. It also provides an opportunity to delve into personal intuitions about the self, mind, and consciousness. Featuring comprehensive coverage of all core topics in the field, the book explains why the problem of consciousness is so hard. Theories of attention and free will, altered states of consciousness, and the differences between conscious and unconscious are all explored. Written with students of psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy in mind, this edition has been thoroughly updated throughout, and includes expanded coverage of panpsychism, illusionism, predictive processing, adversarial collaboration, psychedelics, and AI. Complete with key concept boxes, profiles of well-known thinkers, and questions and activities designed for both independent study and group work, Consciousness provides a complete introduction to this fascinating field, and is essential reading for students of psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience. Ancillaries website for the 4th edition coming soon! https://www.routledge.com/9781032292564 Cover Endorsements Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Contents Boxes Prefaces Acknowledgements Introduction Section One: The problem 1. What’s the problem? 2. What is it like to be ...? 3. The grand illusion Section Two: The brain 4. Neuroscience and the correlates of consciousness 5. The theatre of the mind 6. The unity of consciousness Section Three: Mind and action 7. Attention 8. Conscious and unconscious 9. Agency and free will Section Four: Evolution 10. Evolution and animal minds 11. The function of consciousness 12. The evolution of machines Section Five: Borderlands 13. Altered states of consciousness 14. Reality and imagination 15. Dreaming and beyond Section Six: Self and other 16. Egos, bundles, and theories of self 17. The view from within? 18. Waking up References Index