The Evolution of Consciousness - Couverture souple

Macphail, Euan

 
9780198503248: The Evolution of Consciousness
Couverture souple
ISBN 10 : 0198503245 ISBN 13 : 9780198503248
Editeur : Oxford University Press, 1998

Synopsis

Are nonhuman animals conscious? When do babies begin to feel pain? What function is served by consciousness? What evidence could resolve these issues? These questions are tackled by exploring psychologists' findings on topics as diverse as: animal cognition, unconscious learning and perception in humans, infantile amnesia, theory of mind in primates, and the nature of pleasure and pain. Experimental results are placed in theoretical context by tracing the development of concepts of consciousness in animals and humans (from Plato to Penrose). Two themes emerge: first, the capacity for language marks a fundamental difference between humans and nonhumans; second, there is neither proof that any nonhuman species is conscious, nor any convincing function to be found for consciousness. Finally, a sketch is offered of a novel functionalist theory according to which the developing capacity for language allows the creation by infants of a 'self', which may be a precondition for consciousness.

Les informations fournies dans la section « Synopsis » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Présentation de l'éditeur

Are nonhuman animals conscious? When do babies begin to feel pain? What function is served by consciousness? What evidence could resolve these issues? These questions are tackled by exploring psychologists' findings on topics as diverse as: animal cognition, unconscious learning and perception in humans, infantile amnesia, theory of mind in primates, and the nature of pleasure and pain. Experimental results are placed in theoretical context by tracing the development of concepts of consciousness in animals and humans (from Plato to Penrose). Two themes emerge: first, the capacity for language marks a fundamental difference between humans and nonhumans; second, there is neither proof that any nonhuman species is conscious, nor any convincing function to be found for consciousness. Finally, a sketch is offered of a novel functionalist theory according to which the developing capacity for language allows the creation by infants of a 'self', which may be a precondition for consciousness.

Revue de presse

"...the best scientific monograph that I have read in a long time...This is an extremely clear and well-written, well-argued volume. This book deals with some of the big mysteries in biology, psychology and philosophy. Anyone interested in these issues should rush to the bookshop and get a copy."Trends in Cognitive Sciences - Vol. 3, No. 11, November 1999

"...accessible discussion of the subject." THES, 15/10/99

'the author has done an admirable job of providing a truly interdisciplinary perspective' Swiss Journal of Psychology

Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.

Éditeur
Oxford University Press
Date d'édition
1998
Langue
anglais
ISBN 10 
0198503245
ISBN 13 
9780198503248
Reliure
Broché
Nombre de pages
272
Coordonnées du fabricant
non disponible
Personne responsable
Ufficio Anagrafiche Messaggerie
ufficio.anagrafiche@meli.it

Via Verdi, 8
Assago Milano
20090
Italie

Autres éditions populaires du même titre

9780198503255: The Evolution of Consciousness

Edition présentée

ISBN 10 :  0198503253 ISBN 13 :  9780198503255
Editeur : Oxford University Press, 1998
Couverture rigide