In this accessible overview of current knowledge, an expert team of editors and authors describe experimental approaches to consciousness. These approaches are shedding light on some of the hitherto unknown aspects of the distinct states of human consciousness, including the waking state, different states of sleep and dreaming, meditation and more. The book presents the latest research studies by the contributing authors, whose specialities span neuroscience, neurology, biomedical engineering, clinical psychology and psychophysiology, psychosocial medicine and anthropology. Overall this anthology provides the reader with a clear picture of how different states of consciousness can be defined, experimentally measured and analysed. A future byproduct of this knowledge may be anticipated in the development of systematic corrective treatments for many disorders and pathological problems of consciousness.… (más)
Dedicated to my partner and family for endless love, inspiration and support.
Dedicated to everyone who is searching to explain that elusive conscious experience that has once left a memorable mark in our lives, changed us and continues to do so. . .
A search for a deeper understanding and exploration of consciousness has long been and still is widely studied by scientists and philosophers alike.
Chapter 1: Introduction to States of Consciousness
The problem of consciousness is mostly regarded as identical to the mind-body problem. According to Chalmers’ philosophical arguments, the hard problem of consciousness lies in establishing and explaining the link between physical processes and conscious experiences, via psychological processes. A brief history of various theories of consciousness is given and a selection of theories are tested against Zeman’s three fundamental intuitions and Chalmers’ controversial zombie argument. The hard problem of consciousness is further described using Levine’s notion of an explanatory gap between physical matter and conscious experience, through the first and third persons. Various states, contents, levels and processes of consciousness are summarised, including Damasio and Meyer’s dual perspective for defining consciousness. Tart’s three definitions do not entirely describe altered states of consciousness.
The authors hope that the present chapter’s elucidation and proposed resolution of the consciousness/content fallacy will encourage consciousness theoreticians and researchers from diverse backgrounds to address its implications.
In this accessible overview of current knowledge, an expert team of editors and authors describe experimental approaches to consciousness. These approaches are shedding light on some of the hitherto unknown aspects of the distinct states of human consciousness, including the waking state, different states of sleep and dreaming, meditation and more. The book presents the latest research studies by the contributing authors, whose specialities span neuroscience, neurology, biomedical engineering, clinical psychology and psychophysiology, psychosocial medicine and anthropology. Overall this anthology provides the reader with a clear picture of how different states of consciousness can be defined, experimentally measured and analysed. A future byproduct of this knowledge may be anticipated in the development of systematic corrective treatments for many disorders and pathological problems of consciousness.
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