This book reviews some of the most important scientific and philosophical theories concerning the nature of mind and consciousness. Current theories on the mind-body problem and the neural correlates of consciousness are presented through a series of biographical sketches of the most influential thinkers across the fields of philosophy of mind, psychology and neuroscience. The book is divided into two parts: the first is dedicated to philosophers of mind and the second, to neuroscientists/experimental psychologists. Each part comprises twenty short chapters, with each chapter being dedicated to one author. A brief introduction is given on his or her life and most important works and influences. The most influential theory/ies developed by each author are then carefully explained and examined with the aim of scrutinizing the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches to the nature of consciousness.

Within the field of neuroscience, the past few decades have witnessed an exponential growth of research into the brain mechanisms underlying both normal and pathological states of consciousness in humans. The development of sophisticated imaging techniques to visualize and map brain activity in vivo has opened new avenues in our understanding of the pathological processes involved in common neuropsychiatric disorders affecting consciousness, such as epilepsy, coma, vegetative states, dissociative disorders, and dementia. This book presents the state of the art in neuroimaging exploration of the brain correlates of the alterations in consciousness across these conditions, with a particular focus on the potential applications for diagnosis and management. Although the book has a practical approach and is primarily targeted at neurologists, neuroradiologists, and psychiatrists, it will also serve as an essential reference for a wide range of researchers and health care professionals.

This book reviews some of the most important scientific and philosophical theories concerning the nature of mind and consciousness. Current theories on the mind-body problem and the neural correlates of consciousness are presented through a series of biographical sketches of the most influential thinkers across the fields of philosophy of mind, psychology and neuroscience. The book is divided into two parts: the first is dedicated to philosophers of mind and the second, to neuroscientists/experimental psychologists. Each part comprises twenty short chapters, with each chapter being dedicated to one author. A brief introduction is given on his or her life and most important works and influences. The most influential theory/ies developed by each author are then carefully explained and examined with the aim of scrutinizing the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches to the nature of consciousness.

Within the field of neuroscience, the past few decades have witnessed an exponential growth of research into the brain mechanisms underlying both normal and pathological states of consciousness in humans. The development of sophisticated imaging techniques to visualize and map brain activity in vivo has opened new avenues in our understanding of the pathological processes involved in common neuropsychiatric disorders affecting consciousness, such as epilepsy, coma, vegetative states, dissociative disorders, and dementia. This book presents the state of the art in neuroimaging exploration of the brain correlates of the alterations in consciousness across these conditions, with a particular focus on the potential applications for diagnosis and management. Although the book has a practical approach and is primarily targeted at neurologists, neuroradiologists, and psychiatrists, it will also serve as an essential reference for a wide range of researchers and health care professionals.

The so-called "hard problem" of consciousness (ie: the problem of explaining how and why we have conscious experiences) has received different formulations across time. Back in 1868, Thomas Henry Huxley suggested that the mystery of consciousness resides somewhere -- or somehow -- in the activity of the brain. Since then, both clinical and basic neurosciences have taken the problem of consciousness seriously, joining the allied disciplines of philosophy and psychology in the seemingly insurmountable quest for consciousness. This book presents some of the latest research in the multidisciplinary field of consciousness studies, dealing with both theoretical and experimental aspects encompassing a wide range of normal and pathological states of consciousness.

The so-called "hard problem" of consciousness, i.e. the problem of explaining how and why we have conscious experiences, has received different formulations across time. Back in 1868, Thomas Henry Huxley suggested that the mystery of consciousness resides somewhere -- or somehow -- in the activity of the brain. Since then, both clinical and basic neurosciences have taken the problem of consciousness seriously, joining the allied disciplines of philosophy and psychology in the seemingly insurmountable quest for consciousness. This book presents some of the latest research in the multidisciplinary field of consciousness studies, dealing with both theoretical and experimental aspects encompassing a wide range of normal and pathological states of consciousness.

Generally considered a social and/or recreational activity, in some cases gambling can become an addictive behavior. Pathological gambling is classified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as an impulse control disorder, characterized by failure to resist the impulse to gamble despite severe and devastating personal, family, or vocational consequences. The lifetime prevalence of pathological gambling in the adult population of North America has been estimated to be over 1%. Pathological gambling can also be associated with significantly specific behavioral problems and neuropsychiatric conditions, mainly affecting dopaminergic reward pathways. This book provides a 360-degree overview on the current psychological models for gambling behaviors, informed by both neurobiological and clinical observations.