Philosophy of mind Books

Book SynopsisThis engaging book provides a novel examination of the nature of addiction, suggesting that by exploring akrasiathe tendency to act against one's better judgementwe can better understand our addictive behaviors. It offers an alternative to the dominant biomedical model of addiction as a chronic brain disease by looking at the nature of how we make decisions and proposing the idea that biased choice is central to addiction.The book looks at both classic substance use disorders and newer addictions to smartphones, meat and fossil fuels. It discusses current perspectives on free will in philosophy, psychology and neuroscience, and the questions surrounding free will versus determinism, including our ability to steer our behaviors guided by the promise of future outcomes. Different perspectives on addiction and choice are presented in an eloquent style, and illustrated by personal stories. Through a lively discussion of the key scientific and philosophical issues surrounding addi

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Book SynopsisThis book combines approaches from philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience in the study of perception. In addition to appealing to readers from all three of these disciplines, Perception: The Basics is a perfect introduction for students and general readers. Its interdisciplinary coverage of all aspects of perception does not require familiarity with either abstract philosophical concepts or neuroscientific knowledge. Besides addressing the classic questions of how perception works, the book highlights the intricate connections between perception and action as well as perception that is not triggered by sensory input, like mental imagery, dreaming, and hallucination. Further, the book balances out an overemphasis on vision in the literature by giving almost equal coverage to all the sense modalities (although some examples are easier to present in visual form).Questions that are discussed in detail include: What is the function of perception? Table of Contents1. What is Perception? 2. The Variety of Senses 3. Perception and Cognition 4. Perception and Action 5. Perception without Input 6. Aesthetic Perception

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Book SynopsisWhat is the meaning of time? Do we have an internal clock? Can time speed up or slow down?The Psychology of Time considers how we define, describe, and experience time. From a discussion of how our language around time is dependent on metaphor, to the role of biology in controlling our bodily experience of time, the book delves into how the finitude of life is a given human experience. It looks at how we reflect on the passage of time throughout our lives, and how our experience of time can be influenced by diverse factors including our age, gender, health, and culture.Offering insights into something we are all immersed in, but often give little thought to, The Psychology of Time shows us how our understanding and experience of time can influence our everyday behaviour.

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Book SynopsisThe new edition of this bestselling book, The Psychology of Meaning in Life, has been thoroughly updated to offer an inspiring exploration of cutting-edge findings from the psychology of meaning in life. Schnell draws on multiple psychological and philosophical perspectives, including those from existential, clinical, social, positive, and health psychology, and lived experience to introduce a multidimensional model of meaning in life.Written in an accessible style and full of practical, evidence-based applications, this book covers a range of topics, including the distinction between meaning and happiness, the impact of meaning on health and longevity, the connection between worldview and meaning, meaning in the workplace, meaning-centred interventions, and existential communication. The Hierarchic Meaning Model explains how meaning emerges, from basic perception to the complex experience of meaning in life. By situating meaningfulness â experienced as significance, purpose, coherence, and belonging â within broader social contexts, the book discusses the effects of inequality and global crises and suggests introducing an ethics of meaning. Measurement tools are presented, and each chapter ends with exercises to encourage self-reflection, inspiring the reader to consider the role of meaning in their own life.The Psychology of Meaning in Life, Second Edition has crucial significance for advancing the field of existential health. It is essential reading for students, researchers, and practitioners of psychology, sociology, counselling, pastoral care, coaching, healthcare, and related disciplines, and for general readers interested in exploring what makes life meaningful.

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Book SynopsisEvidence-based practice in psychology is the dominant regulatory principle in clinical psychology, defining psychological knowledge and its application. This book provides a critical analysis and a reconstruction of the policy statement focusing on epistemology and ethics.The book shows the ideological and historical background for the development of evidence-based practice in psychology. It covers the main conceptual and empirical arguments leading to this transition including philosophy and evidence-based medicine. The book goes on to show some of the defects of evidence-based practice in psychology: it misconstrues psychological knowledge; reduces the number of ethical resources available to regulate psychological practices; does not fulfil its ambitions of being a tripartite concept; and undertheorises the issue of integration. The closing chapters provide a constructive critique, preserving the valuable aspects of evidence-based practice in psychology while developing it

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Book SynopsisThis book explores the ethical, legal, and rights-related ramifications of the Hypothesis of Extended Cognition and the Extended Mind Thesis. Focusing on technologies designed to extend our cognitive and mental capacities, it highlights serious threats associated with their development and deploymentâand examines potential strategies for addressing them.The discussion begins with an accessible introduction to Hypothesis of Extended Cognition and the Extended Mind Thesis, responding to pressing objections and arguing that humans likely already areâor will soon becomeâcyborgs. Far from science fiction, the rapid advancement of extension technologiesâsuch as invasive brain-computer interfacesâbrings this scenario, and its disruptive consequences across ethics, rights, and the law, ever closer to reality. To underscore the stakes, the book focuses on key concerns relating to mental privacy, mental integrity, and extended forms of assault. It also outlines the values and factors we must consider as we transition into a world where the boundaries of the mind are increasingly fluid. Crucially, it argues that both legal and technological safeguards can be developed to mitigate the most troubling effects of cognitive and mental extension.Cyborg Rights is the first book to offer a systematic analysis of this emerging topic, situated at the intersection of philosophy of mind and cognitive science, ethics, and philosophy of law.

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Book SynopsisDespite the many attempts to disentangle the relationship between morality and emotion, as is clear from the myriad of approaches that try to understand the nature and importance of their connection, the extent of this synergy remains rather controversial. The multidisciplinary framework of the present volume was specifically designed to challenge self-containing disciplinary views, encouraging a more integrative analysis that covers various methodological angles and theoretical perspectives. Contributions include discussions on the interrelation between moral philosophy, emotion and identity, namely the clash between grand ethical theories and the practicality of human life; philosophical considerations on akrasia or the so called weakness of will, and the factors behind it; anthropological reflections on empathy and prosocial behavior; accounts from artificial intelligence and evolutionary game theory; and literary and artistic dissections of emotional responses to the reprTable of ContentsIntroduction Emotions, Morality, and Identity: An Empirical Approach Weakness of Will and Self-control: The role of Emotions in Impulsive Behaviour Emotions and Akratic Feelings: Insights into Morality Through Emotions Morality and Empathy vs Empathy and Morality: A Quest for the Source of Goodness in Phylogenetic and Ontogenetic Contexts Moral Feelings from Rocky Fictional Ground Software sans Emotions but with Ethical Discernment Emotional Rescue and, Au Ralenti: Some Stories About Images Sing to Me: the Language of Music Conclusion

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Book SynopsisHenri Bergson (1859-1941) was one of the most celebrated and influential philosophers of the twentieth century. He was awarded in 1928 the Nobel prize for literature for his philosophical work, and his controversial ideas about time, memory and life shaped generations of thinkers, writers and artists.In this clear and engaging introduction, Mark Sinclair examines the full range of Bergson''s work. The book sheds new light on familiar aspects of Bergson's thought, but also examines often ignored aspects of his work, such as his philosophy of art, his philosophy of technology and the relation of his philosophical doctrines to his political commitments. After an illuminating overview of his life and work, chapters are devoted to the following topics: the experience of time as duration the experience of freedom memory mind and body laughter and humour knowledge art and creativity the élan vitalTrade Review"... the publication of Mark Sinclair’s Bergson, an instalment in the Routledge Philosophers series, is a cause for celebration. It is easily the best introduction to Bergson – and one of the very best books on Bergson – in English." - Robert Watt, Philosophy "Sinclair’s ability to bring Bergson’s philosophy into such a neat framework, as well as its excellent intellectual biography … will, in all likelihood, make this the standard Introduction to Bergson for many years to come." - Wayne Cristaudo, The European Legacy "Let me cut to the chase: this is an excellent book. Mark Sinclair has pulled off the feat of writing a work that will be useful not only to students (both undergraduate and graduate) but also to professional philosophers interested in Bergson’s ideas and their place in both early and contemporary analytic and continental philosophy. ... This work is not only the best English-language introduction to Bergson available on the market, it’s also a compelling genetic interpretation of his oeuvre with which every scholar of Bergson will need to engage." - Jeremy Dunham, Mind "This book is an enlightening introduction to Bergson and Sinclair does an impressive job at making the book informative yet simple to read and easy to understand. ... [A] perfect way to familiarize oneself with Bergson topic by topic, where one will see not only the ideas Bergson developed, but also how they were developed throughout Bergson’s life, how he engaged with other philosophers and how later philosophers engaged with Bergson." - Ignas Zemleckas, Journal of the British Society for Phenomenology "There is more to admire in this rich and thought-provoking book. With its useful glossary, suggestions for further reading, and final chapter on Bergson’s legacy, Sinclair’s Bergson offers much to a Bergsonian beginner, but it also advances a point of view that corrects some of the blind-spots and idiosyncrasies of Anglophone scholarship..." - Michael J. Bennett, Review of Metaphysics "Sinclair lives up to the promise of providing something for all readers of Bergson, from the absolute beginner to the expert. Bergson is nuanced, expansive, and incredibly thorough. It is a fantastic contribution to the field and those studying Bergson in English would do well to read it." - Miguel Paley, Society of Friends of Bergson "Providing both careful exposition and judicious evaluation, Mark Sinclair’s Bergson will prove invaluable to students and instructors alike. The book situates Bergson in his historical, philosophical and political contexts, as well as locating where his positions fall in contemporary discussions. Highly recommended." - John Protevi, Louisiana State University, USA "Mark Sinclair has written a wonderfully accessible and exhaustive introduction to Bergson’s thought. In the style of engaged history of philosophy, Bergson is a remarkable contribution to the ongoing Bergson resurgence and an invaluable resource for readers at all levels." - Donald A. Landes, Université Laval, Canada Table of ContentsAcknowledgements A Note on Translations Chronology Introduction 1. Intellectual Biography 2. Time 3. Freedom 4. Memory 5. Mind and Body 6. Laughter 7. Knowledge 8. Art 9. Life 10. Ethics, Religion and Politics 11. Legacy. Glossary Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThis book concentrates on argumentation as it emerges in ordinary discourse, whether the discourse is institutionalized or strictly informal. Crucial concepts from the theory of argumentation are systematically discussed and explained with the help of examples from real-life discourse and texts. The basic principles are explained that are instrumental in the analysis and evaluation of argumentative discourse. Methodical instruments are offered for identifying differences of opinion, analyzing and evaluating argumentation and presenting arguments in oral and written discourse. Attention is also paid to the way in which arguers attempt to be not just reasonable, but effective as well, by maneuvering strategically. In addition, the book provides a great variety of exercises and assignments to improve the student's skill in presenting argumentation.The authors begin their treatment of argumentation theory at the same juncture where argumentation also starts in practice: ThTable of ContentsPreface1 Standpoints and differences of opinionEssentials1.1 Discussion and disagreement1.2 Explicit and implicit differences of opinion 1.3 Positive and negative standpoints 1.4 Standpoints and expressions of doubt 1.5 Types of differences of opinion 1.6 Main differences of opinion and subordinate differences of opinion 1.7 The presentation of standpoints and doubt Further readingExercisesSpecial assignment 1 2 Argumentation and discussionEssentials 2.1 Resolving a difference of opinion 2.2 Argumentative discourse and having a critical discussion 2.3 The ideal model of a critical discussion 2.4 Argumentation in a critical discussion Further readingExercises 3 The presentation of argumentationEssentials 3.1 Identifying the standpoint 3.2 Indicators of argumentation 3.3 Clues in the context 3.4 Additional means of identifying argumentation 3.5 Explanation, elaboration and clarification 3.6 A maximally argumentative interpretation Further readingExercises 4 Unexpressed standpoints and unexpressed premisesEssentials 4.1 Unexpressed elements in argumentative discourse 4.2 Indirectness and the rules for communication 4.3 Correctness conditions for speech acts 4.4 Violations of the communication rules 4.5 Variants of indirectness 4.6 Making unexpressed standpoints explicit 4.7 Making unexpressed premises explicit 4.8 Unexpressed premises in a well-defined context Further readingExercises 5 The argumentation structureEssentials 5.1 Single arguments5.2 Combinations of single arguments 5.3 Multiple, coordinative, and subordinative argumentation 5.4 Representing the argumentation structure schematically 5.5 The presentation of complex argumentation 5.6 A maximally argumentative analysis 5.7 Unexpressed premises and complex argumentation5.8 Composing an analytic overview Further readingExercisesSpecial assignments 2, 3, 4, 56 The soundness of argumentationEssentials 6.1 Evaluating argumentative discourse 6.2 The acceptability of argumentative statements 6.3 The validity of the reasoning 6.4 The soundness of argument schemes 6.5 Argumentation based on a symptomatic relation 6.6 Argumentation based on a relation of analogy 6.7 Argumentation based on a causal relation 6.8 The presentation of different types of argumentation Further readingExercises 7 Fallacies as violations of discussion rules 1-5Essentials 7.1 Fallacies and discussion rules7.2 Violations of the freedom rule 7.3 Violations of the burden-of-proof rule 7.4 Violations of the standpoint rule 7.5 Violations of the relevance rule 7.6 Violations of the unexpressed premise rule Further readingExercises 8 Fallacies as violations of discussion rules 6-10Essentials8.1 The conclusive defense of standpoints8.2 Violations of the starting point rule 8.3 Violations of the validity rule 8.4 Violations of the argument scheme rule 8.5 Violations of the closure rule 8.6 Violations of the usage rule Further readingExercisesSpecial assignment 6 9 Strategic manoeuvringEssentials 9.1 Reconciling reasonableness and effectiveness 9.2 Three aspects of strategic manoeuvring 9.3 Rhetorical analogues of dialectical aims 9.4 Various kinds of argumentative strategies9.5 Fallacies as derailments of strategic manoeuvring9.6 The treacherous character of fallacious strategic manoeuvring Further readingExercisesSpecial assignment 7 10 The conventionalization of communicative activity typesEssentials10.1 Communicative activity types 10.2 Argumentative characterization of communicative activity types 10.3 Institutional preconditions for strategic manoeuvring 10.4 Different implementations of critical questions Further readingExercisesSpecial assignment 8 Overview of rules for critical discussion and fallacies General references

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Book SynopsisMetapsychology for Contemporary Psychoanalysis is a complete revision of the theoretical underpinnings of psychoanalysis and psychodynamic psychotherapy. It seeks to replace the traditional drivedefence model of Freudian tradition with an information processing model of the mind. This book argues that the central human need is for self-knowledge, and that drives are best understood as means towards this end.Richard Sembera begins with a close reading of Freud's own metapsychological writings, isolating the many unresolved difficulties and inconsistencies which continue to burden psychoanalytical theory today. By returning to the actual observable clinical phenomena in the analytic situation, it is shown that an alternative interpretation is possible that eliminates the theoretical difficulties in question. In the analytic situation, Sembera argues that clinicians do not in fact see individuals struggling against the expression of biological driveTrade Review"Richard Sembera tackles the rarely discussed question of how psychoanalysis can be explained from a theoretical vantage point. In this work, he replaces Freud’s meta-psychology based upon energic concepts and drive theory, with a model of explanation arising from information processing theory and developmental processes. Using cogent reasoning and clear, understandable language, Sembera offers psychoanalysts a new theoretical approach to their work, which will hopefully lead to questions about how to conceptualize psychoanalysis in the future. This is an excellent book for psychoanalysts, be they scholars or clinicians."-Steven Rosenbloom, Training and Supervising Analyst, Canadian Institute of Psychoanalysis and Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology & Psychiatry, McGill UniversityTable of ContentsIntroduction§ 1. What is Metapsychology?§ 2. Theories and Fantasies§ 3. The Practical Uses of Metapsychology§ 4. A Description of the Analytic Situation§ 5. What are Resistance and Defence?§ 6. The Function of the Core Mental Process§ 7. The Place of the Unconscious§ 8. The Revised Structural Model§ 9. Primary and Secondary Experience§ 10. The Work of Objectification§ 11. The Work of Imagination§ 12. The Work of Symbolization§ 13. The Dialectical Structure of the Self§ 14. Where Do We Think?§ 15. Repetition and Trauma§ 16. The Motor of the Mind§ 17. From Metapsychology to Metaphysics§ 18. Where Do We Live?Epilogue

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Book SynopsisThis carefully designed, multi-authored textbook covers a broad range of theoretical issues in cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience. With accessible language, a uniform structure, and many pedagogical features, Mind, Cognition, and Neuroscience: A Philosophical Introdution is the best high-level overview of this area for an interdisciplinary readership of students. Written specifically for this volume by experts in their fields who are also experienced teachers, the book's thirty chapters are organized into the following parts:I. Background KnowledgeII. Classical DebatesIII. ConsciousnessIV. Crossing BoundariesEach chapter starts with relevant key words and definitions and a chapter overview, then presents historical coverage of the topic, explains and analyzes contemporary debates, and ends with a sketch of cutting edge research. A list of suggested readings and helpful discussion topics conclude each chapter. This uniform, studentTable of Contents1. Introduction: Mind, Cognition, & Neuroscience 2. Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience 3. Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Cognition 4. Introduction to Experimental Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience 5. Introduction to Philosophy of Mind 6. Introduction to Philosophy of Science 7. Metaphysical issues of relevance to Cognitive Neuroscience 8. Epistemic issues pertaining to Neuroscientific methods 9. Artificial Intelligence and Computational Theories of Mind 10. Modularity 11. Mental Architecture – computational models of mind 12. Language 13. Mental Content 14. Concepts and non-conceptual content 15. Animal Cognition 16. Kinds of Consciousness 17. Philosophical Theories of Consciousness 18. Neurobiological Theories of Consciousness 19. Unity of Consciousness 20. Attention 21. Memory 22. The Unconscious Mind 23. Perception 24. Mental Imagery 25. Action and Skill 26. Embodiment and Enactivism 27. Emotions 28. Social Cognition and Theory of Mind 29. Neuroscience and Psychopathologies 30. NeuroEthics

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Book SynopsisThe philosophy of perception investigates the nature of our sensory experiences and their relation to reality. In the second edition of this popular book, William Fish introduces the subject thematically, setting out the major theories of perception together with their motivations and attendant problems. While providing historical background to debates in the field, this comprehensive overview focuses on recent presentations and defenses of the different theories, and looks beyond visual perception to take into account the role of other senses.The second edition organizes the contents into two main parts: the first deals with philosophical theories of perception, and the second covers key topics and issues in perception as they are discussed in philosophy, cognitive science, and psychology. Two completely new chapters have been added one on color and color vision; and a second on the interaction between sense modalities and other chapters have been significantly updated to Trade Review"I have been using the first edition of William Fish’s Philosophy of Perception very successfully in my philosophy of perception courses. The second edition has all the virtues of the first: presenting a balanced account of the principal theories in the field, uncovering potentially problematic assumptions, and raising issues for further discussion – all written in an admirably clear and engaging style. The new edition contains discussions of recent work at the intersection of the philosophy and the science of perception, including chapters on color and color vision, interaction between sense modalities, and cross-modal illusions. Highly recommended."Frances Egan, Rutgers UniversityTable of Contents1. Introduction Part I: Philosophical Theories of Visual Perception 2. Sense Datum Theories 3. The Representational Principle and Intentional Theories 4. Adverbialism and Qualia Theories 5. Naïve Realism Part II: The Philosophy of Perception and the Sciences of the Mind 6. The Philosophy of Perception and Vision Science 7. Color, Color Vision, and Color Science 8. Perception and the Nonvisual Sense Modalities 9. Multimodality

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Book SynopsisThe concept of well-being is one of the oldest and most important topics in philosophy and ethics, going back to ancient Greek philosophy. Following the boom in happiness studies in the last few years it has moved to centre stage, grabbing media headlines and the attention of scientists, psychologists and economists. Yet little is actually known about well-being and it is an idea that is often poorly articulated.The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Well-Being provides a comprehensive, outstanding guide and reference source to the key topics and debates in this exciting subject.Comprising over 40 chapters by a team of international contributors, the Handbook is divided into six parts: well-being in the history of philosophy current theories of well-being, including hedonism and perfectionism examples of well-being and its opposites, including friendship and virtue and pain and death theoretical Trade Review"Without rival or even comparison in the literature, this is the definitive collection of contemporary philosophical perspectives on well-being. It is of use to students and scholars not merely of value theory, but also psychology, economics, politics, and medicine. These and still more fields have been made better off by the expert contributions to this Handbook." - Thaddeus Metz, University of Johannesburg, South Africa "The question of what makes our lives good or bad for us is obviously of huge importance. Philosophers have much to contribute to answering that question, as this volume shows. The authors are excellent philosophers, and many have made significant contributions to the literature on well-being. This book will become the starting-point for future philosophical research on well-being." - Roger Crisp, University of Oxford, UK Table of ContentsIntroduction Guy Fletcher Part 1: Well-Being in the History of Moral Philosophy 1. Plato Eric Brown 2. Aristotle on Well-Being Richard Kraut 3. Hedonistic Theories of Well Being in Antiquity Tim O’Keefe 4. Well-Being and Confucianism Richard Kim 5. Well-Being and Daoism Justin Tiwald 6. Well-Being in the Buddhist tradition Christopher Gowans 7. Well-Being in the Christian tradition William Lauinger 8. The Later British Moralists Robert Shaver Part 2: Theories of Well-Being 9. Hedonism Alex Gregory 10. Perfectionism Gwen Bradford 11. Desire-Fulfilment theory Chris Heathwood 12. Objective List Theory Guy Fletcher 13. Hybrid Theories Chris Woodard 14. Subject-Sensitive theories Alicia Hall and Valerie Tiberius 15. Eudaimonism Lorraine Besser-Jones Part 3: Particular Goods and Bads 16. Pleasure Ben Bramble 17. Pain Guy Kahane 18. Health, Disability, and Well-Being Drew Schroeder 19. Friendship Diane Jeske 20. Virtue Anne Baril 21. Epistemic Goods Allan Hazlett 22. Achievements Gwen Bradford and Simon Keller 23. Meaningfulness Antti Kauppinen 24. Needs Marco Grix and Philip McKibbin 25. Happiness Neera Badhwar 26. Death Ben Bradley Part 4: Theoretical Issues 27. Monism and Pluralism Eden Lin 28. Atomism and Holism in the Theory of Personal Well-Being Jason Raibley 29. The Experience Machine and the Experience Requirement Jennifer Hawkins 30. Children’s Well-being A Philosophical Analysis Anthony Skelton 31. Well-Being and Animals Christopher Rice 32. The Science of Well-Being Anna Alexandrova 33. The Concept of Well-Being Steve Campbell Part 5: Well-Being in Moral and Political Philosophy 34. Welfarism Dale Dorsey 35. Well-Being and the Non-Identity Problem Molly Gardner 36. Well-Being, Paternalism, Autonomy Sarah Conly 37. Well-Being and Disadvantage Jonathan Wolff and Doug Reeve 38. Feminism and Well-Being Jules Holroyd Part 6: Well-being and other disciplines 39. Well-Being and Law Alex Sarch 40. Well-Being and Economics Erik Angner 41. Medicine and Well-Being Daniel Groll. Index

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Book SynopsisThe empirical study of consciousness is in constant progress. New ideas and approaches arise, methods are being debated and refined, and experimental research over the last two decades has produced a rich body of data, acquired in the aim to better understand consciousness and its neural underpinnings. This volume synthesises this data, focusing on how to understand the relations and transitions between consciousness and unconsciousness alongside exploring and distinguishing conscious experience of sensory stimuli and unconscious states. Bringing together leading academics and promising young scientists from across the fields of psychology and neuroscience, Transitions between Consciousness and Unconsciousness discusses controversial topics and ideas, providing an overview of current research trends and opinions, as well as perspectives on theoretical and methodological questions.This is an essential volume for consciousness researchers and studentTable of ContentsForeword by Guido HesselmannChapter 1 - The breaking continuous flash suppression paradigm: Review, evaluation, and outlook. By Timo Stein.Chapter 2 - What’s up with high-level processing during continuous flash suppression? By Pieter Moors.Chapter 3 - Unconscious Visual Processing: How a Neuro-functional Hierarchy Can Guide Future Research. By Bruno Breitmeyer & Guido Hesselmann.Chapter 4 - The unconscious processing of social information. By Apoorva Rajiv Madipakkam & Marcus Rothkirch.Chapter 5 - Studying the benefits and costs of conscious perception with the liminal-prime paradigm. By Dominique Lamy, Eyal A. Ophir, & Maayan Avneon.Chapter 6 - From aliens to invisible limbs: The transitions that never make it into conscious experience. By Jaan Aru.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, Christine Tappolet offers readers a thorough, wide-ranging, and highly accessible introduction to the philosophy of emotions. It covers recent interdisciplinary debates on the nature of emotions as well as standard theories of emotions, such as feeling theories, motivational theories, and evaluative theories. The book includes discussions of the alleged irrationality of emotions, and looks into the question of whether emotions could not, in some cases, contribute positively to theoretical and practical rationality. In addition, the role of emotions in the theory of virtues and the theory of values receives a detailed treatment. Finally, the book turns to the question of how we can regulate and even educate our emotions by engaging with music and with narrative art.The overall picture of emotions that emerges is one that does justice to the central role that emotions play in our lives, conceiving of emotions as crucial to our grasp of values. As an opinionated inTable of Contents1. The Philosophy of Emotions 2. The Affective Domain 3. Are Emotions Social Constructs? 4. Feelings theories 5. Motivational theories 6. Evaluative theories 7. Emotions and Theoretical Rationality 8. Emotions and practical irrationality 9. Sentimentalism 10. Ethics and the emotions 11. Emotion Regulation and Music 12. Sentimental Education and Fiction

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Book SynopsisScience and Psychology provides a comprehensive introduction to the structure and characteristics of scientific explanation, using examples from a variety of sciences to illuminate the scientific approach taken in psychology. In addition, the authors discuss a range of conceptual issues particular to psychology. They examine the concepts of free will, consciousness, and purposeful behaviour, and consider the social implications of possible future changes in our understanding of these concepts and of ourselves. The final chapters of the book provide an account of what psychology can tell us about the history and origins of science.Assuming no previous understanding of either the philosophy of science or any science other than psychology, Science and Psychology is an ideal resource for both final year undergraduates and postgraduates studying psychology. Psychologists and other scientists who wish to further their understanding of the relationship betweenTrade Review"The first thing that is drummed into students coming from an arts background on most good psychology degrees is that psychology is a science. But it is not necessarily made clear what that means. Most students, too, lack any philosophical background. Scientific psychology attempted to repress its philosophical roots, but it failed. Many philosophical issues like consciousness and determinism keep reappearing. This book addresses both of these gaps with short simple chapters that are really easy to follow.", Emeritus Professor Tim Shallice, UCL"A fascinating and important book. It made me revisit key questions regarding the fundamentals of science and psychology in a way I have not done since taking Dr. Wilton’s class on the subject a decade ago. For students, this book is the perfect philosophical companion to research methods classes, while for academics it is an excellent way to reacquaint themselves with the roots of their discipline. However, the book also offers something of great value to the general audience: a detailed and accessible account of how science works.", Dr Juliet R. H. Wakefield, Senior Psychology Lecturer, Nottingham Trent University. Table of ContentsPreface: What this book is about Part 1: The Characteristics of Scientific Explanation and its Application to Psychology Chapter 1: The defining characteristic of science 1.1 Test your understanding of Chapter 1 Chapter 2: The structure of scientific explanation: The Standard View 2.1 The Standard View 2.2 Observation statements 2.3 Statements that assert laws 2.4 Testing laws 2.5 Theoretical statements 2.6 Testing theories 2.7 More on testing theories 2.8 Criteria used in deciding between theories 2.9 Test your understanding of Chapter 2 Chapter 3: The structure of scientific explanation: The Alternative View 3.1 The structure of scientific explanation 3.2 General conclusion 3.3 Must we conclude that no observation statement is incorrigible? 3.4 Conclusion 3.5 Implications for what one is free to believe about the world 3.6 Criteria used to decide between theories 3.7 Test your understanding of Chapter 3 Chapter 4: Some historical examples of responses to a contradiction between a theory and some apparent fact 4.1 Summary: the state of affairs at any one historical time 4.2 Test your understanding of Chapter 4 Chapter 5: The criteria used for choosing between competing theories 5.1 Axiomatic beliefs 5.2 Can selection according to one’s axiomatic beliefs be justified? 5.3 Power, scope, simplicity 5.4 Historical evidence favouring simple theories 5.5 Can a criterion of simplicity be justified? 5.6 Truth 5.7 Prediction 5.8 Explanatory content 5.9 Summary 5.10 Test your understanding of Chapter 5 Summary of Part 1: The characteristics of scientific explanation Part 2. Understanding Behaviour Chapter 6: Typical approaches in psychology: Internal mechanisms 6.1 The psychologist’s goal 6.2 Internal operations with no reference to embodiment 6.3 Granularity of explanation 6.4 Coarse-grained analysis 6.5 Fine-grained analysis 6.6 Connectionism 6.7 Some additional important points 6.8 Direct inspection of individual units 6.9 Test your understanding of Chapter 6 Chapter 7: Typical approaches in psychology: Skinner’s functional analysis 7.1 Objections 7.2 Test your understanding of Chapter 7 Chapter 8: Common-sense psychology and its implications 8.1 Common-sense explanations of human behaviour 8.2 Intentional states and causal explanations 8.3 Consequences of the two accounts differing in kind 8.4 The relevance of Tolman's theory 8.5 The two cases of sneezing, again 8.6 Verbal utterances 8.7 Some more examples 8.8 Some possible objections 8.9 Summary 8.10 Why do we like intentional accounts? 8.11 Test your understanding of Chapter 8 Chapter 9: Free will and determinism 9.1 Do laws of nature imply causality? 9.2 Laws of human behaviour: Causality or free will? 9.3 Test your understanding of Chapter 9 Chapter 10: The possible impact on social institutions (the legal system) if we relinquish our present disposition to believe in free will 10.1 Criteria for imposing punishment on offenders 10.2 Moral culpability 10.3 Deterrence 10.4 The possible impact of psychology upon the legal system 10.5 Comment on possible change in public attitude 10.6 Overall conclusion 10.7 Test your understanding of Chapter 10 Chapter 11: The problem of consciousness 11.1 Consciousness 11.2 The characteristics of sensations 11.3 Direct apprehension 11.4 Not subject to error 11.5 The relationship between sensations and physical events 11.6 Test your understanding of Chapter 11 Summary of Part 2: Understanding behaviour Part 3: What Psychology Tells Us About The Practice of Science Chapter 12: The use of imagery in scientific thought 12.1 Characteristics of mental problem solving 12.2 Are human disposed to use imagery in solving problems? 12.3 Examples of our disposition to use imagery 12.4 Conclusions so far 12.5 The history of scientific thought 12.6 Test your understanding of Chapter 12 Chapter 13: Why are cultures that practise science better at controlling the material world than non-scientific cultures? 13.1 (a) Structure of scientific theories (b) The development of the written word (c) The systematic testing of ideas (d) Different a priori assumptions about the world (e) Acceptance of fundamental change 13.2 Conclusion 3.3 Test your understanding of Chapter 13 Summary of Part 3: Psychological constraints on scientific explanations References

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Book SynopsisWhat is the nature of subjectivity, intersubjectivity, and objectivity? And what is the relation of brain studies to individual experience? How can we avoid the mysteries of dualism and the implausibilities of reductionism? How do Eastern and Western conceptions of mind, consciousness, and self differ?These are the kind of dizzying questions that are asked by those working in consciousness studies. They are foundational for psychological science and now, to meet the need for an authoritative reference work to make sense of the subject's vast literature and the continuing explosion in interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research output, Routledge announces a new title in its Critical Concepts in Psychology series. Edited by Max Velmans, a leading authority, Consciousness is a new four-volume collection of the canonical and the very best cutting-edge scholarship in the field. It provides a synoptic view of all the key issues and current debates, as well as guidan

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Book SynopsisNeurotechnology and Direct Brain Communication focuses on recent neuroscientific investigations of infant brains and of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC), both of which are at the forefront of contemporary neuroscience. The prospective use of neurotechnology to access mental states in these subjects, including neuroimaging, brain simulation, and brain computer interfaces, offers new opportunities for clinicians and researchers, but has also received specific attention from philosophical, scientific, ethical, and legal points of view. This book offers the first systematic assessment of these issues, investigating the tools neurotechnology offers to care for verbally non-communicative subjects and suggesting a multidisciplinary approach to the ethical and legal implications of ordinary and experimental practices.The book is divided into three parts: the first and second focus on the scientific and clinical implications of neurological tools for DOC patientTable of ContentsIntroduction PART I 1. The Emergence of Consciousness: From foetal to newborn life 2. Mapping Mind-Brain Development 3. Cognitive capacities of the infant mind — a neuroimaging perspective 4. Neural Infantese. Detecting pain and suffering in preverbal infants by means of neuro-technological communication PART II 5. Does task-evoked activity entail consciousness in vegetative state? “Neuronal-phenomenal inference” versus “neuronal-phenomenal dissociation” 6. Neurotechnological communication with patients with disorders of consciousness 7. Instrumental assessment of residual consciousness in DOCs PART III 8. Ethical and deontological issues in paediatric clinical studies: an analysis of documents from national and international institutions 9. Disorders of consciousness and informed consent 10. Brain-Imaging and Privacy Concerns Conclusion

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Book SynopsisWhy ought we concern ourselves with understanding a concept of evil? It is an elusive and politically charged concept which critics argue has no explanatory power and is a relic of a superstitious and primitive religious past. Yet its widespread use persists today: we find it invoked by politicians, judges, journalists, and many others to express the view that certain actions, persons, institutions, or ideologies are not just morally problematic but require a special signifier to mark them out from the ordinary and commonplace. Therefore, the question of what a concept of evil could mean and how it fits into our moral vocabulary remains an important and pressing concern.The Routledge Handbook of the Philosophy of Evil provides an outstanding overview and exploration of these issues and more, bringing together an international team of scholars working on the concept of evil. Its 27 chapters cover the crucial discussions and arguments, both historical and contempoTable of ContentsIntroduction Thomas Nys and Stephen de Wijze Part 1: Historical explorations of Evil 1. Plato on Evil Alina Scudieri 2. Augustine on Evil Philip Cary 3. Aquinas on Evil W. Matthews Grant 4. Machiavelli: The Drama of Politics and Its Inherent Evil Giovanni Giorgini 5. Hobbes on Evil Laurens van Apeldoorn 6. Leibniz On Evil: God’s Justice in the Best of All Possible Worlds Agustín Echavarría 7. Jean-Jacques Rousseau on the Origin and Nature of Evil Jason Neidleman 8. Kant: The Evil in All of Us Matthé Scholten 9. Sade: Mushroom Clouds and Silver Linings Thomas Nys 10. Nietzsche’s Critique of Morality and His Effort to Create an Evaluation ‘Beyond Good and Evil’ Paul van Tongeren 11. Hannah Arendt’s Double Account of Evil: Political Superfluousness and Moral Thoughtlessness Peg Birmingham 12. After the Fall: Camus on Evil Matthew Sharpe Part 2: Recent Secular Explorations of Evil 13. Deliver us from Evil: The Case for Scepticism Phillip Cole 14. Does the term ‘evil’ have any explanatory power? Eve Garrard 15. Defining the concept of evil: Insights from our pre-cognitive responses Stephen de Wijze 16. Evil and Wrongdoing Todd Calder 17. Evil Characters Peter Brian Barry 18. Defining evil actions: Different approaches Luke Russell 19. Different Substantive Conceptions of Evil Actions Paul Formosa Part 3: Evil and other Issues 20. Evil and Punishment Leo Zaibert 21. Evil and Forgiveness Kathryn J. Norlock 22. Evil and Freedom Lars Fr. H. Svendsen 23. Evil and Power Simona Forti 24. Evil and Childhood Gideon Calder 25. Evil’s Diachronic Characteristics Zachary J. Goldberg 26. Evil, Genocide, and Mass Atrocities Jonathan Leader Maynard 27. Evil: A Comparative Overview Michiel Leezenberg

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Book SynopsisAn Anthropology of Puzzles argues that the human brain is a puzzling organ which allows humans to literally solve their own problems of existence through puzzle format. Noting the presence of puzzles everywhere in everyday life, Marcel Danesi looks at puzzles in society since the dawn of history, showing how their presence has guided large sections of human history, from discoveries in mathematics to disquisitions in philosophy. Danesi examines the cognitive processes that are involved in puzzle making and solving, and connects them to the actual physical manifestations of classic puzzles. Building on a concept of puzzles as based on Jungian archetypes, such as the river crossing image, the path metaphor, and the journey, Danesi suggests this could be one way to understand the public fascination with puzzles. As well as drawing on underlying mental archetypes, the act of solving puzzles also provides an outlet to move beyond biological evolution, and Danesi shows that puzzles could be Trade Review"Puzzles—inclusive of riddles, games, optical illusions, enigmas, oracles, labyrinths—appeal to the individual human mind and to collective cultural traditions, from prehistory up to today, and around the globe. The motivation to ""play"" may lie in the reward: the ""ah-ha"" for pastimes and/or the ""gotcha"" when intellectual challenge is involved. Semiotics' own ""magister ludi"" Marcel Danesi has collected, curated, and clarified the addiction experienced by those lured onto the dialectical thin ice between logical reasoning and sheer imagination. - Myrdene Anderson, Purdue University, USA Marcel Danesi, the world’s leading authority on puzzles, provides an insightful historical overview of the creative, psychological, and interactional role of puzzles in cultures worldwide. These cultural artifacts date from the dawn of history, and Professor Danesi illustrates clearly and convincingly how solving puzzles stimulates the imagination and the inventiveness of the individuals and the societies that produce them. These enigmatic forms constitute the brain’s tools for resolving problems and they are an essential component of human intellectual endeavors. - Frank Nuessel, University of Louisville, USA How are puzzles solved before their algorithm is found? Non-algorithmically – using creativity of semiotic logic. This is what Marcel Danesi, a leading scholar of the Toronto Semiotic Circle, is demonstrating. - Kalevi Kull, University of Tartu, Estonia An intriguing and fascinating overview of puzzles throughout human history. The book unravels the mysterious underlying origins of mind and culture through puzzles, with many mind-twisting puzzle examples. - Kumiko Tanaka-Ishii, University of Tokyo, Japan"Table of ContentsList of FiguresPrefaceAcknowledgements1. Puzzles in Mind and History2. Riddles3. Word Games4. Visual Puzzles 5. Puzzles in Mathematics6. Puzzles and Logic7. Puzzles and Human IntelligenceReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisIn On Nature and Language, published in 2002, Noam Chomsky develops his thinking on the relation between language, mind and brain, integrating current research in linguistics into the burgeoning field of neuroscience. It includes a penetrating interview with Chomsky in which he provides a clear introduction to the Minimalist Program.Trade Review'Chomsky makes linguistics intellectually interesting, he makes it exciting, and he makes it a discipline that matters to the wider scientific community.' Stephen Pulman, The Times Higher Education Supplement'Perhaps the most accessible introduction to Chomsky's linguistic thought available.' The Guardian'… dedicated fans will want to add it to their collection …' Language Learning JournalTable of ContentsForeword; 1. Introduction: some concepts and issues in linguistic theory; 2. Perspectives on language and mind; 3. Language and the brain; 4. An interview on minimalism; 5. The secular priesthood and the perils of democracy.

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Book SynopsisThe Symposia Aristotelica were inaugurated at Oxford in 1957. They are conferences of select groups of Aristotelian scholars from the UK, USA and Europe, and are held every three years. In 1975 the meeting was held in Cambridge and was devoted to Aristotle's psychological treatises, the De anima and the Parva uaturalia.Table of ContentsPreface; List of participants; 1. Soul and life in the De Anima S. Mansion; 2. Sur le statut de l'ame dans le De Anima et les Parva Naturalia Charles Lefèvre; 3. On Aristotle's framework of Sensibilia Andreas Graeser; 4. Aristotle on the Imagination M. Schofield; 5. The intellection of indivisibles according to Aristotle De Anima III 6 Enrico Berti; 6. Self movers David J. Furley; 7. őρεξζς In De Anima III 10 J. B. Skemp; 8. Doctrine du pneuma et entelechisme chez Aristote G. Verbeke; 9. The empirical basis of the physiology of the Parva Naturalia G. E. R. Lloyd; 10. The unity of the De Somno and the physiological explanation of sleep in Aristotle Jürgen Wiesner; 11. Le De Anima dan la tradition Grecque: quelques aspects de l'interpretation du traite, de theophraste A Themistius Paul Moraux; Index of sources; Index of technical terms; Index of persons and objects.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive theory of consciousness. The initial chapter distinguishes six main forms of consciousness and sketches an account of each one. Later chapters focus on phenomenal consciousness, consciousness of, and introspective consciousness. In discussing phenomenal consciousness, Hill develops the representational theory of mind in new directions, arguing that all awareness involves representations, even awareness of qualitative states like pain. He then uses this view to undercut dualistic accounts of qualitative states. Other topics include visual awareness, visual appearances, emotional qualia, and meta-cognitive processing. This important work will interest a wide readership of students and scholars in philosophy of mind and cognitive science.Trade Review'This rich and sophisticated book offers the best representational theory of consciousness to date. It illuminates difficult philosophical concepts (e.g. qualia) and builds new bridges between philosophy and important empirical work. The book is essential reading for everyone interested in mind and consciousness.' Anil Gupta, University of Pittsburgh'Consciousness is well-written, has lots of arguments in it, covers the right areas, has a distinctive position and perspective, and provides a plausible and comprehensive theory of conscious experience. It surveys a wide range of empirical results, but without losing the philosophical focus. I learned a great deal from reading it.' Joseph Levine, University of Massachusetts'… the entire account Hill provides of conscious experience … is impressive and it certainly presents a satisfying and, in many ways, illuminating story of how conscious experience fits into the natural world.' Mind'Christopher Hill's Consciousness is a valuable contribution to the philosophical literature on consciousness. There are many admirable features of this book. On the whole, I definitely recommend [it] to anybody seriously interested in what a unified Representationalist account of awareness which is sensitive to empirical findings in vision science and neuroscience may look like. This is a very rare opportunity, so it cannot be ignored by anybody worried about a promising strategy for naturalizing the mind.' Erhan Demircioglu, ErkenntnisTable of Contents1. Form of consciousness; 2. Theories of qualia; 3. Awareness, representation, and experience; 4. The refutation of dualism; 5. Visual awareness and visual qualia; 6. Ouch! The paradox of pain; 7. Internal weather: the metaphysics of emotional qualia; 8. Introspection and consciousness; 9. A summary, two supplements, and a look beyond.

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