ABSTRACT

New Directions in Consciousness Studies describes a range of fresh ideas which promise to significantly advance scientific understanding of human nature. Written in non-specialized language, the book draws upon concepts and research from history, philosophy, neuroscience and physics to delineate new approaches to the study of consciousness.

Early chapters deal with a range of ideas about our nature, and suggest that mind can usefully be viewed as a type of dynamic landscape. The account shows how our minds relate to their societies, brains and bodies and how they differ from computers. Later chapters develop a theory of the basis of consciousness (SoS theory). Using the physical concept of ‘broken symmetry’ the author shows how conscious mind may be rooted in temporality; a view that is supported by the occurrence of a wide range of anomalous phenomena. Potentially valuable future lines of research are identified.

This is a unique and engaging book that will appeal to students and academics in the field of consciousness studies and other readers with an interest in consciousness.

chapter |3 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|14 pages

Swings and roundabouts

chapter 2|11 pages

Picturing ‘mind’

chapter 3|11 pages

Wetware

chapter 4|9 pages

On time

chapter 5|16 pages

New frontiers

chapter 6|8 pages

Broken symmetry

chapter 7|9 pages

Qualia

chapter 8|10 pages

Rocks from the sky (part 1)

chapter 9|7 pages

Rocks from the sky (part 2)

chapter 10|9 pages

Life at the edge

chapter 11|8 pages

New directions

chapter 12|8 pages

Speculations and implications

chapter 13|7 pages

Loose ends and new beginnings