Maybe not explained. But explored, analyzed, examined from an
extraordinarily rich perspective. Here, as in other philosophical
work (Elbow Room, 1984, etc.), the Director of the Center for
Cognitive Studies at Tufts Univ. states that he aims to dethrone
the "Cartesian Theater" of the mind - that central screen with its
implied "Central Meaner" who attends to the "contents of
consciousness": the ghost in the machine with all its implied
infinite regress and mind/brain dichotomy. Instead, Dennett posits
"multiple drafts" of the real world, the product of parallel
processing of perceptual and cognitive subsystems compiled by
independent "demons" vying with each other, with now one or another
gaining ascendancy - the whole a form of "pandemonium" that results
in consciousness. In arriving at this model, Dennett reviews the
extensive literature of neuroscience, artificial intelligence,
neurology, cognitive psychology, speech and language studies,
thought experiments, and the philosophical tradition itself. This
discourse is well worth the price of admission to Dennett's own
theater of the brain: He is a gifted expositor with a marvelous
sense of humor, and, typical of philosophers, ever eager to
persuade, answer the reader's objectives, and strike down rival
theories. Does he succeed? Not completely. One suspects that
metaphors based on artificial intelligence, "virtual" machines, and
computer technology are just this culture's mind-set at this time.
Dennett also pays scant attention to the role of emotions (in
comparison to Robert Ornstein, see below), nor for that matter to
the emerging concept that the nervous, endocrine, and immune
systems should be considered in any schema of consciousness.
Nevertheless, Dennett's analysis is so often brilliant, so witty,
and so informed by contemporary culture as to make pleasurable the
reading of what is truly a complex and demanding text. (Kirkus
Reviews)
Consciousness separates us from other animals and machines - or does it? Can consciousness be reduced scientifically to chemical and mechanical processes? If so, where do love and pain, dreams and joy fit in?
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
