Who is the author of 'Consciousness'?

The author of 'Consciousness' is Susan Blackmore.

What are the main themes in 'Consciousness'?

The main themes in 'Consciousness' include Cognitive Psychology, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy, Psychology.

What genre is 'Consciousness'?

'Consciousness' is categorized as Philosophy, Psychology.

What is the main argument that Susan Blackmore presents in 'Consciousness'?

In 'Consciousness', Susan Blackmore argues that consciousness is not a single entity but rather a collection of processes and experiences. She challenges traditional views of consciousness by suggesting that it may not be as unified or fixed as commonly believed. Blackmore explores various aspects of consciousness, including perception, attention, and the self, and she emphasizes the role of culture, social interactions, and cognitive science in understanding consciousness. Her main thesis revolves around the idea that consciousness can be better understood as a series of interconnected states rather than a singular, defined phenomenon.

How does the author define consciousness in this book?

In 'Consciousness' by Susan Blackmore, the author defines consciousness as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that involves awareness, perception, thoughts, and experience. Blackmore explores various theories of consciousness, delving into the distinction between consciousness and the brain processes that give rise to it. She challenges traditional notions of self and argues for a more scientific understanding of consciousness, emphasizing the role of attention, memory, and the brain's mechanisms in shaping conscious experience.

What are some key themes explored in 'Consciousness'?

Some key themes explored in 'Consciousness' by Susan Blackmore include: The Nature of Consciousness: Blackmore examines what consciousness is, including its characteristics and how it relates to the mind and brain. The Concept of Self: The author explores the idea of the self and how it relates to consciousness, questioning the notion of a permanent, core self. Altered States of Consciousness: Blackmore discusses various states of consciousness, including dreaming, meditation, and near-death experiences, and their implications for understanding consciousness. The Role of Attention: The book delves into how attention influences consciousness and perception, highlighting the limitations of human awareness. The Influence of Culture: Blackmore considers how culture shapes our understanding of consciousness and the self, addressing the impact of societal norms on individual experiences. Scientific Perspectives: The work incorporates insights from neuroscience and psychology, emphasizing the need for a scientific approach to studying consciousness. These themes contribute to a broader understanding of consciousness and its implications for philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience.

Can you explain how Blackmore approaches the topic of the self in relation to consciousness?

In 'Consciousness,' Susan Blackmore explores the concept of the self primarily through the lens of experience and consciousness. She presents the idea that the self is not a singular, fixed entity but rather a construct that emerges from various cognitive processes and experiences. Blackmore argues against the traditional notion of a permanent self, suggesting that what we often consider to be 'self' is actually a series of transient thoughts, sensations, and experiences that come together in a fluid manner. She draws on insights from psychology, neuroscience, and Eastern philosophies, particularly Buddhism, to support her view that the self is an illusion. This perspective challenges the idea of an unchanging, core self and instead posits that the experience of 'self' is contingent upon momentary consciousness. Blackmore's approach implies that understanding consciousness requires recognizing the dynamic and ephemeral nature of personal identity, which can lead to deeper insights into the nature of consciousness itself.

What scientific perspectives or studies does Blackmore reference in discussing consciousness?

In 'Consciousness,' Susan Blackmore references a variety of scientific perspectives and studies to explore the nature of consciousness. She discusses: Neuroscience: Blackmore examines how brain activity correlates with conscious experiences, referencing studies that use neuroimaging techniques to identify brain regions associated with specific conscious states. Psychology: She incorporates psychological experiments that illustrate phenomena like attention, perception, and the illusion of free will, drawing from both cognitive psychology and behavioral studies. Philosophy of Mind: Blackmore engages with philosophical arguments regarding consciousness, including discussions on dualism and physicalism, referencing thinkers such as Daniel Dennett and David Chalmers. Altered States of Consciousness: The author delves into research on altered states, including meditation, sleep, and psychedelic experiences, highlighting how these states challenge conventional notions of consciousness. Information Theory: Blackmore touches on concepts from information theory to describe how consciousness might arise from complex information processing in the brain. Overall, Blackmore synthesizes findings from various disciplines to provide a comprehensive view of consciousness, questioning traditional understandings and presenting a scientific yet philosophical discourse.

Consciousness

In 'Consciousness', Susan Blackmore takes readers on a captivating journey through the mysteries of the mind. She challenges conventional views, proposing that consciousness is not what we think it is. Through engaging narratives and thought-provoking experiments, Blackmore explores concepts like the self, perception, and the nature of reality. Are our thoughts truly our own, or mere byproducts of neurological processes? This provocative examination will leave you questioning your understanding of consciousness and your place in the world.

By Susan Blackmore

Published: 2017

Philosophy Psychology Philosophy of Mind Cognitive Psychology

Start Listening

0:000:00

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Book Collections you might like →

Brendon Burchard's Book Recommendations

Brendon Burchard is a high-performance coach, motivational speaker, and bestselling author, best known for his books High Performance Habits and The Motivation Manifesto. He helps individuals and organizations achieve peak performance through strategies focused on clarity, energy, and productivity. Brendon’s work emphasizes the importance of personal growth and developing habits that lead to sustained success. He has coached Fortune 500 CEOs, Olympians, and other high-achieving individuals. Brendon is also the founder of the High Performance Academy, where he trains people to lead more impactful and successful lives.

View Collection

Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Our Catalogue

Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.

Consciousness

Start Listening

The Mike & Casey Show

You might also like →

Watchmen

12 Rules for Life

Why Buddhism is True

The Player of Games

The Happiness Hypothesis

Pre-Suasion

Things Hidden Since the Foundation of the World

Cognitive Psychology

How We Decide

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know about People

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)

Psychology of the Digital Age

Stargirl

Stuff Matters

I Am a Strange Loop

From Bacteria to Bach and Back

Consciousness

Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar . . .

Synchronicity

Defeat Into Victory

Will You Die with Me?

History of Western Philosophy

Psychology and Religion: West and East

The Origins and History of Consciousness

The Symbolic Life

Forest Bathing

Here is New York

Kill Process

Cold Storage

A Book of Myths

Book Collections you might like →

Brendon Burchard's Book Recommendations

Arianna Huffington's Book Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Our Catalogue

Genres

Genres

Genres

Featured Collections