How is consciousness possible? What biological purpose does it serve? Why do we value it so highly? In Soul Dust the psychologist Nicholas Humphrey, a leading figure in consciousness research, returns to the front-line with a startling new theory. Consciousness, he argues, is nothing less than a magical-mystery show that we stage for ourselves inside our own heads. This self-made show lights up the world for us, making us feel special and transcendent. Tightly argued, intellectually gripping and a joy to read, Soul Dust is a keenly anticipated book that provides answers to the deepest questions. It dovetails the 'hard problem of consciousness' with the matters that obsess us all - the fear of death, how life should be lived. Resting firmly on neuroscience and evolutionary theory, it is an uncompromising yet life-affirming work that never loses sight of the majesty and mystery of consciousness.
- ISBN13 9781400838073
- Publish Date 31 January 2011 (first published 1 January 2011)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Princeton University Press
- Format eBook
- Pages 256
- Language English
- URL http://degruyter.com/search?f_0=isbnissn&q_0=9781400838073&searchTitles=true