Consciousness: An Introduction by Susan Blackmore
Is there a theory that explains the essence of consciousness? Or is consciousness
itself just an illusion? The "last great mystery of science", consciousness is a
topic that was banned from serious research for most of the 20th century. It is now a
rapidly expanding area of study for students of psychology, philosophy and
neuroscience, capturing growing popular interest. This text brings together all the
major theories of consciousness studies, from those based on neuroscience to those
based on quantum theory or eastern philosophy, in a format specifically designed to
support structured learning. The book examines topics that include: how subjective
experiences arise from objective brain processes; the basic neuroscience and
neuropathology of consciousness; altered states of consciousness; mystical experiences;
and the effects of drugs, dreams and meditation. Also discussed are: the nature of
self; the possibility of artificial consciousness in robots; and the question of
whether animals are conscious. All topics are supported not only by self-assessment
questions and extensive further reading suggestions at the end of each chapter, but by
practical exercises that help bring the subject to life and that could radically
transform each reader's understanding of his own consciousness.
The Meme Machine by Susan Blackmore
Humans are extraordinary creatures, with the unique ability among animals to
imitate and so copy from one another ideas, habits, skills, behaviours, inventions,
songs, and stories. These are all memes, a term first coined by Richard Dawkins in
1976 in his book
The
Selfish Gene. Memes, like genes, are replicators, and this
book is an investigation of whether this link between genes and memes can lead to
important discoveries about the nature of the inner self. Confronting the deepest
questions about our inner selves, with all our emotions, memories, beliefs, and
decisions, Susan Blackmore makes a case for the theory that the inner self is merely
an illusion created by the memes for the sake of replication.
Test Your Psychic Powers
by Susan Blackmore and Adam Hart-Davis
In Search of the Light by Susan Blackmore
Dying to Live by Susan Blackmore
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