Consciousness

'This is a monumental achievement – an accessible introduction to the science and philosophy of consciousness that somehow manages to be up-to-date, comprehensive and penetrating. The authors treat each topic (and there are many) with depth, panache, and enthusiasm. Superbly organized, and even-handed without being vanilla, this is essential reading for anyone interested in the philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience of consciousness.'

Andy Clark FBA, FRSE. Professor of Cognitive Philosophy, University of Sussex, UK, and Author of The Experience Machine: How Our Minds Predict and Shape Reality

'An eminently readable, deeply literary primer tailored [to undergraduates and] all those curious about where that voice inside their head comes from. This text delves into the myriad ways philosophies from the East and the West have sought to integrate the subjective, inner world of emotions and thoughts, into the objective, tangible universe. Eschewing a singular doctrinal stance, -ism or theory, the text sheds light on the diverse strategies scholars, psychologists, and neuroscientists employ to grapple with the central enigma at the heart of existence – the fact that we can experience anything.'

Christof Koch, Meritorious Investigator, Allen Institute, Seattle, US

'This book is a terrific introduction to the deep and fascinating puzzle of consciousness. Blackmore and Troscianko delight, illuminate and intrigue the reader, as well as outlining a wide variety of perspectives on consciousness, from the psychological and neuroscientific, to the spiritual and the literary.'

Nick Chater, Professor of Behavioural Science, Warwick Business School, UK, and author of The Mind is Flat

'The classic introduction for consciousness studies: Competent, entertaining and accessible. It covers an enormous range of topics from machine consciousness to altered states and secular spirituality. Do check out this new and largely expanded edition!'

Thomas Metzinger, Philosophisches Seminar, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany

'This is my favourite book on consciousness. The authors’ love for the subject shines through. It is fantastically readable, introducing complex ideas by explaining the personalities and histories that led to their development.'

Jackie Andrade, Professor of Psychology, University of Plymouth, UK

'The Fourth Edition of Consciousness (Blackmore and Troscianko) lives up to the excellent contribution of the previous editions. This book is a much needed resource for students and scholars, summarizing a vast range of theories and perspectives on consciousness, and taking a careful, skeptical, and above all a rational approach to each one. The authors are not fooled by the magicalism or spiritualism that has infiltrated so much of the literature. The correct scientific theory of consciousness probably lies somewhere within this book.'

Michael Graziano, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at Princeton University, US