Books matching: philosophy of mind
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh is a guide to living mindfully in every moment, offering practical exercises and anecdotes to help readers understand the importance of being fully present in their daily activities. Through simple teachings and meditation techniques, the book encourages readers to cultivate self-awareness and peacefulness in their lives, emphasizing the transformative power of mindfulness in bringing clarity and focus to one's experiences.
Thich Nhat Hanh's writing style in The Miracle of Mindfulness is described as personal, simple, and clear, providing a handbook to meditation that is accessible to readers of all backgrounds. The book weaves together stories, commentary, and specific processes for achieving and maintaining mindfulness, creating an atmosphere of peace and relaxation that allows readers to delve into the practice of mindfulness with ease and understanding.
Later, Joey put on his jacket and went outside to play with a neighbor’s child. I asked Allen, “Do you find family life easy?” Allen didn’t answer directly. He said that during the past few weeks, sin... - #2
Save:Consciousness Explained by Daniel C. Dennett is a comprehensive exploration of human consciousness, delving into methodologies for evaluating consciousness, theories of mind, and the complexities of the brain. The book challenges traditional views on consciousness, deconstructs various theories, and presents new models to explain facets of human consciousness. Dennett's writing style is dense and intellectually stimulating, requiring readers to engage deeply with complex philosophical and scientific concepts.
And here are trees and I know their gnarled surface, water, and I feel its taste. These scents of grass and stars at night, certain evenings when the heart relaxes — how shall I negate this world whos... 'The Conscious Mind: In Search of a Fundamental Theory' by David J. Chalmers delves into the complexities of consciousness and the mind. Chalmers introduces the concept of property dualism, arguing that there is a non-material aspect of the mind that is distinct from the physical. He explores the hard problem of consciousness, discussing the challenges in explaining subjective experiences and qualia. also touches on topics such as psychophysical laws, the relationship between physical and mental phenomena, and the potential role of quantum mechanics in understanding consciousness.
'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...- #5
Save:'Free Will' by Sam Harris challenges the notion of free will, arguing that it is an illusion. Through a concise and thought-provoking exploration of neuroscience and philosophy, Harris delves into the idea that our choices are determined by factors beyond our conscious control. Readers are confronted with the implications of living in a world where free will may not exist, sparking contemplation on the nature of morality, justice, and personal responsibility. Harris presents his argument in a clear and accessible manner, raising questions about the impact of deterministic beliefs on our understanding of human behavior and societal norms.
The question of free will touches nearly everything we care about. Morality, law, politics, religion, public policy, intimate relationships, feelings of guilt and personal accomplishment—most of what ... - #6
Save:Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier follows the journey of Swiss professor Raimund Gregorius, who experiences a transformative encounter with a Portuguese woman that leads him to a book written by Amadeu de Prado. Gregorius becomes deeply engrossed in Prado's writing, prompting him to abruptly leave his life in Switzerland and travel to Portugal to uncover the mysteries surrounding the author's life during the Salazar dictatorship. Through a series of philosophical discussions, moral quandaries, and self-analysis, Gregorius delves into Prado's past and his own existence, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of life, love, and the power of words.
The day that ended with everything different in the life of Raimund Gregorius began like countless other days. At quarter to eight, he came from Bundesterrasse and stepped on to the Kirchenfeldbrücke ... 'Dragons of Eden: Speculations on the Evolution of Human Intelligence' by Carl Sagan is a thought-provoking exploration into the origins of human intelligence and the evolution of the human mind. Sagan delves into the comparison of human intelligence with that of other organisms, discussing the similarities and differences in their brain structures. Through a blend of science and philosophy, Sagan weaves in myths and legends to shed light on the complexities of human thought, biology, and the brain. Despite being written in 1977, the book remains relevant and engaging, providing insights into the development of human consciousness and the connections between ancient myths and modern scientific discoveries.
Sagan's writing style is accessible and engaging, making complex topics like brain evolution and intelligence easily understandable for readers of all backgrounds. He draws from various disciplines to ground his speculations in logic, offering a comprehensive tour of the brain's history and the evolution of human consciousness. Through compelling narratives and insightful comparisons between human and animal brains, Sagan prompts readers to ponder the origins of human intelligence and its impact on our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
His last chapter/episode, called “The Long Childhood,” describes the extended period of time—longer relative to our lifespan than for any other species—in which young humans are dependent on adults an...- #8
Save:'The Dumb House' by John Burnside is a dark and disturbing novel that explores the themes of language, human nature, and the complexities of the soul. The story follows Luke, a reclusive man conducting experiments to see if children can develop language without exposure to it. The narrative delves into Luke's twisted character, his unusual upbringing, and his depraved activities, all while questioning the essence of communication and its role in shaping thoughts and souls. The book is written in a dreamy and poetic style, drawing readers into a chilling yet compelling tale of moral incomprehensibility.
No one could say it was my choice to kill the twins, any more than it was my decision to bring them into the world. Each of these events was an inevitability, one thread in the fabric of what might be... - #9
Save:The Kybalion is an early 20th-century work that delves into the ancient teachings of Hermes Trismigistus and the basic tenets of Hermeticism. The book not only explores the core principles of Hermetic philosophy but also provides glimpses into alchemy and spiritual ascension. Written in a style that may seem antiquated to modern readers, The Kybalion presents a framework centered around The All and The Law, explaining concepts such as polarity, vibratory reactions, and cause and effect.
The work is not only for students of Hermetics but for anyone who seeks common truths across religions and recognizes a divine energy within all individuals. The book is described as chock full of timeless truths that transcend time, nations, and religions, offering valuable insights into mental transmutation and spiritual ascension. While some may find the writing style dated and the references to be from another era, many appreciate the depth of wisdom and philosophical insights that can be applied to contemporary life.
"The Principles of Truth are Seven; he who knows these, understandingly, possesses the Magic Key before whose touch all the Doors of the Temple fly open".—THE KYBALION" The Seven Hermetic Principles, ... Daniel C. Dennett's 'Darwin's Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life' delves into the implications of evolution for philosophy and theology, presenting a materialist account of natural design and challenging the need for supernatural elements in the process of evolution. The book explores the nature of evolution and life from a fundamental perspective, offering a dense yet fascinating examination of topics ranging from physics and biology to artificial intelligence and neuroscience. Dennett's engaging and polemical style, coupled with his philosophical insights and grasp of science, provides readers with a thought-provoking journey through the philosophical implications of evolution by natural selection.
'Darwin's Dangerous Idea' is a comprehensive exploration of the theory of evolution, touching upon topics such as adaptationism, skyhooks, and mimetics, while presenting a clear and insightful perspective on Darwinism and its detractors. Dennett's book stands out for its brilliant exposition of the theory of evolution, shedding light on the simplicity and power of Darwin's ideas while addressing misconceptions and providing a thought-provoking analysis of evolution's impact on philosophy and ethics. The book's playful examination of evolutionary theory, combined with Dennett's philosophical approach and engaging writing style, offers readers a captivating and enlightening journey through the complexities of evolution and natural selection.
We used to sing a lot when I was a child, around the campfire at summer camp, at school and Sunday school, or gathered around the piano at home. One of my favorite songs was "Tell Me Why." (For those ...
