Books matching: philosophical exploration of consciousness
31 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:'Blindsight' by Peter Watts is a hard science fiction novel that delves adjusted humans sent on a mission to investigate alien contact beyond Pluto. The book explores deep philosophical questions about sentience, consciousness, and the nature of humanity, all set in a futuristic world containing space travel, vampires, and alien encounters. The story is told through a unique narrative style, offering a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of consciousness and intelligence.
IT DIDN'T START out here. Not with the scramblers or Rorschach, not with Big Ben or Theseus or the vampires. Most people would say it started with the Fireflies, but they'd be wrong. It ended with all... 'Conscious: A Brief Guide to the Fundamental Mystery of the Mind' by Annaka Harris delves into the enigmatic nature of consciousness, exploring concepts like panpsychism and the fundamental properties of matter. The book is described as a mix of philosophical musings and scientific reasoning, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about reality and the mind. Through clear and accessible language, Harris navigates complex topics such as subjective experience, the brain's role in producing consciousness, and the implications of free will.
Our experience of consciousness is so intrinsic to who we are, we rarely notice that something mysterious is going on. Consciousness is experience itself, and it is therefore easy to miss the profound...- #3
Save:Prometheus Rising by Robert Anton Wilson delves into the realms of psychology, consciousness, and human behavior through the lens of the 8 circuit model. The book introduces readers to a mind-altering journey that challenges conventional thinking and offers a fresh perspective on self-awareness and societal structures. Wilson's writing style, characterized by humor and thought-provoking exercises, guides readers through the exploration of neurological circuits, brainwashing techniques, and predictions for the future, all while encouraging a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Like most of my books, this text emerged only partly from my conscious design and partly from suspicious accidents. It actually began as a Ph.D. dissertation called “The Evolution of Neuro-Sociologica... 'How to Create a Mind: The Secret of Human Thought Revealed' by Ray Kurzweil delves into the secrets of human brains and explores the possibilities of reproducing human thought through Artificial Intelligence. Kurzweil argues that memories are stored as sequences of patterns, emphasizing the brain's core capability of recognizing patterns over processing logic. The book discusses the hierarchical organization of the neocortex and projects the construction of artificial equivalents of human brains with emotions and consciousness. Kurzweil also touches upon the evolution of the human brain, the structure of the neocortex, and the potential for machines to surpass human intelligence.
The writing style of the book is described as thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating, challenging readers to think deeply about the nature of human thought and the future of Artificial Intelligence. Kurzweil's theories on thinking, pattern recognition, and the architecture of the brain are presented in a detailed and informative manner, drawing from his vast knowledge in computing and technology. The book also explores philosophical concepts, the divide between Western and Eastern worldviews on faith, and the potential implications of AI advancements on society.
With the description of a molecule that could code the program of biology, a unifying theory of biology was now firmly in place. It provided a simple and elegant foundation to all of life. Depending o...'From Bacteria to Bach and Back - The Evolution of Minds' by Daniel C. Dennett takes readers on a journey through the evolution of minds, exploring topics such as consciousness, natural selection, and the origins of society. Dennett presents his views on how the mind is a product of the brain's workings, shaped by natural selection and random mutations over time. Despite the book's meandering style and academic presentation, it offers insights into the complexities of consciousness and the interconnectedness of genetic and cultural evolution.
- #6
Save:'Exhalation: Stories' by Ted Chiang is a collection of thought-provoking science fiction stories that delve into philosophical questions like free will, consciousness, and the impact of technology on humanity. Chiang's writing style is described as calm, clear, and deeply engaging, allowing the meaning of the stories to shine through the scientific concepts explored. The stories cover a wide range of themes, from time travel to the nature of existence, all tied together by universal questions about humanity and the universe.
The book features a mix of speculative technologies and philosophical undertones, expertly formulated to create compact yet suggestive narratives. Chiang's storytelling is praised for its cleverness without sacrificing the human element of the stories, making readers care about both the characters and the speculative concepts presented. Each story in the collection offers a unique and immersive experience that challenges readers to think deeply about the complex issues explored.
It has long been said that air (which others call argon) is the source of life. This is not in fact the case, and I engrave these words to describe how I came to understand the true source of life and... 'The Mind's I: Fantasies and Reflections on Self and Soul' by Douglas R. Hofstadter is a compilation of articles written by various authors who are at the forefront of thought on artificial intelligence (A.I.) and consciousness. delves into deep philosophical ideas about the mind, self, and consciousness, challenging readers to question their preconceptions and explore new perspectives. Through a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and commentary, the book aims to free the mind from traditional notions of what defines consciousness and the self.
The writing style of the book is described as thought-provoking, engaging, and entertaining, with co-editors Hofstadter and Dennett selecting and discussing each of the selections in a way that mirrors Plato's Dialogues. presents a variety of viewpoints, with the editors not always agreeing on interpretations, adding depth and complexity to the exploration of the main topics of A.I. and consciousness.
The best day of my life – my rebirthday, so the speak – was when I found I had no head. This is not a literary gambit, a witticism designed to arouse interest at any cost. I mean it in all seriousness...- #8
Save:'Power vs. Force' by David R. Hawkins delves into the distinctions between power and force, highlighting how power uplifts and unifies, while force leads to conflict and polarization. The author explores consciousness, the law of attraction, and the impact of emotions on human behavior. Readers are taken on a journey of self-reflection, challenging their perspectives and encouraging them to elevate areas of force into power. The writing style is thought-provoking, exploring complex concepts such as consciousness and truth through a mix of science and spirituality.
Regardless of what branch of inquiry one starts from—philosophy, political theory, theology—all avenues of investigation eventually converge at a common meeting point: the quest for an organized under... - #9
Save:'Mortal Questions' by Thomas Nagel is a collection of philosophical essays that cover a wide range of topics such as death, sexual behavior, social inequality, war, political power, personal identity, consciousness, freedom, and value. Nagel challenges his audience to delve into these complex philosophical issues and explores the relationship between subjective and objective knowledge, emphasizing the importance of subjective viewpoints in understanding reality. The writing style is dense and thought-provoking, with Nagel delving into deep philosophical concepts and providing original insights into various moral and existential dilemmas.
- #10
Save:The Dream Master by Roger Zelazny is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Charles Render, a leading proponent of a new form of psychiatry called neuroparticipant therapy. Using powerful technology, Render enters his patients' dreams to shape them using myths and archetypes to help cure their neuroses. The plot revolves around Render's risky decision to treat a blind psychiatrist who wants to become a Shaper herself, despite warnings about the potential consequences. The book delves into themes of consciousness, technology, and the dangers of manipulating dreams.
The writing style of The Dream Master is described as richly textured, imaginative, and evocative. Zelazny's world-building and character development are praised, with the novel exploring complex concepts such as neuroparticipant therapy and the subconscious mind. The story is noted for its unique premise and thought-provoking exploration of the implications of entering and shaping dreams.
Therefore, each microsecond would be better off as a minute, he decided—and perhaps the temperature should be increased… Somewhere, just at the periphery of everything, the darkness halted its constri...
