The Mind Matters: Consciousness and Choice in a Quantum World - Couverture rigide

Hodgson, David

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0198242921 ISBN 13 : 9780198242925

Editeur : Clarendon Press, 1991

Synopsis

In this book the author presents a case against orthodox mechanistic views of the brain-mind, and in favour of the view that "mind matters". In the course of the argument he ranges over such topics as consciousness, informal reasoning, computers, evolution, and quantum indeterminacy and non-locality. The relevance of quantum mechanics to mind is supported by an approachable account of its basic mathematics and its interpretation, which will also be of value to those interested in the general philosophy of matter. Without suggesting the existence of a "ghost in the machine", the author offers plausible conjectures as to how there can be a free-willing conscious mind operating in association with the physical brain. He concludes with more general sketches for a world-view. Although written from a philosophical viewpoint, the book has implications for the sciences concerned with the brain-mind problem. At the same time, it is largely non-technical, and thus accessible to the non-specialist reader.

A propos du livre

Revue de presse

Mainstream professional philosophers of mind should perhaps feel humbled by the fact that while they have been satisfied for the most part with hanging on the coattails of currently fashionable theories in cognitive science and artificial intelligence, it has largely been left to those outside the profession, like David Hodgson, to pursue the most profound metaphysical questions concerning the relations between mind and matter - questions which cannot even be begun to be addressed adequately without an understanding, such as Hodgson has taken so many pains to acquire, of the most successful theory of matter that humanity has ever devised. (E. J. Lowe, Philosophical Books)

an excellent contribution to the literature. It is well written, authoritative, and wonderfully wide-ranging. ... This account of quantum theory ... will surely be of great value. ... On the front cover of the paper edition of this book Paul Davies is quoted as saying that this is "a truly splendid and provocative book". In writing this review I have allowed myself to be provoked, but I am happy to close by giving my endorsement to this verdict in its entirety! (Euan Squires, Journal of Consciousness Studies)

an astonishing achievement ... This is an ambitious, plain-spoken, and unevasive presentation of an anti-reductionist position based in, and drawing from, contemporary science. It is good to have it. (Keith Campbell, Australasian Journal of Philosophy)

a welcome new perspective on the subject ... Hodgson's book is the best I have seen for giving a clear and balanced account of the mind-body problem, the alternative current theories of mind, and the basic ideas of quantum mechanics. (Paul Davies, The Australian and New Zealand Physicist)

I regard The Mind Matters as a landmark. (David Tompsett, Network)

a worthwhile contribution to an important debate. It is well written, his philosophy sound, and the description of quantum physics one of the best ever offered for the non-specialist. (Danah Zohar, Independent on Sunday)

In this large-scale and ambitious work Hodgson attacks a modern orthodoxy. Both its proponents and its opponents will find it compelling reading. (J. R. Lucas, Merton College, Oxford)

Présentation de l'éditeur

In this book David Hodgson presents a clear and compelling case against today's orthodox mechanistic view of the brain and mind, and in favour of the view that `the mind matters'. Although written from a philosophical viewpoint, the book has important implications for the sciences concerned with the brain and mind problem. At the same time, it is largely non-technical, and thus accessible to the non-specialist reader.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Clarendon Press
• Date d'édition: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0198242921
• ISBN 13: 9780198242925
• Reliure: Relié
• Langue: anglais
• Numéro d'édition: 1
• Nombre de pages: 494
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible