23 top-rated books about about consciousness

1. Consciousness Explained by Daniel C. Dennett

"Consciousness Explained" by Daniel C. Dennett, published in 1991 by Back Bay Books, is a comprehensive exploration of human consciousness. Dennett challenges traditional views, proposing a novel model of consciousness rooted in neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence. This landmark book aims to revolutionize our understanding of conscious life in humans, animals, and even robots, by introducing a new perspective on the subject.

• $48.01 for hardcover
• $11.99 for kindle

2. The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes

In 'The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind', Julian Jaynes provides an engaging and well-structured narrative that presents essential information in a clear manner. Jaynes argues that human consciousness, rather than being a product of ancient evolutionary processes, emerged only around three thousand years ago as a learned process and is still evolving. This revolutionary theory, first published in 1976 and reissued by Mariner Books in 2000, has profound implications for our understanding of psychology, history, culture, religion, and the future of humanity.

Who should read The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind?

• Historians
• Psychologists
• Philosophers
• Students of Consciousness

Lesson learned

"The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind" challenges the traditional understanding of human consciousness. Jaynes suggests that consciousness is a relatively recent development, not an inherent aspect of our evolutionary past. This perspective implies that our understanding of history, psychology, and even our own minds could be fundamentally altered by considering this alternative origin of consciousness.

Awards

• National Book Award Finalist (1978)

• $95.23 for hardcover
• $11.99 for kindle

3. Other Minds: The Octopus and the Evolution of Intelligent Life by Peter Godfrey-Smith

Published by WIlliam Collins in 2018, 'Other Minds: The Octopus and the Evolution of Intelligent Life' by Peter Godfrey-Smith is a thought-provoking read that offers a thorough understanding of its key topics. Godfrey-Smith explores the evolution of intelligence, particularly focusing on the fascinating case of octopuses. He delves into the unique capabilities of these cephalopods, comparing their intelligence to that of humans and other intelligent lifeforms. This book challenges our assumptions about what constitutes intelligence and considers the possibility of multiple forms of consciousness emerging independently within different evolutionary lineages.

Who should read Other Minds: The Octopus and the Evolution of Intelligent Life?

• Evolutionary Biologists
• Philosophers of Mind
• Marine Biologists
• Anyone Interested in Animal Intelligence

4. Being You: A New Science of Consciousness by Anil Seth

The work 'Being You: A New Science of Consciousness' provokes thought by Anil Seth, delving into the core ideas surrounding 'books about consciousness'. In this book, published by Faber & Faber in 2020, Seth, a renowned neuroscientist, presents a novel theory of consciousness and self. He explores the intricate interplay of billions of neurons within the brain that give rise to our subjective experiences. Seth examines perception, reality, and the nature of self, challenging conventional understandings of how we perceive the world and experience our own being.

Who should read Being You: A New Science of Consciousness?

• Neuroscience Students
• Anyone Interested in the Mind
• Philosophers
• People Curious About Consciousness

• $18.49 for hardcover
• $16.99 for kindle

5. Being No One: The Self-Model Theory of Subjectivity by Thomas Metzinger

Published in 2004 by MIT Press (MA), "Being No One: The Self-Model Theory of Subjectivity" by Thomas Metzinger, a German philosopher, investigates the nature of consciousness, arguing that the self is not a fixed entity but rather a dynamic process. Metzinger explores the concept of the phenomenal self, which he proposes is a self-model constructed by the brain. He integrates insights from neuroscience and philosophy to analyze the subjective experience of consciousness, drawing on examples of unusual states of mind like agnosia, neglect, and hallucinations to deepen our understanding of the complex relationship between the subjective and objective worlds.

Lesson learned

"Being No One" argues that our sense of self is an illusion, a constantly-evolving model constructed by our brains. We are not a single, unified entity but rather a dynamic process of information. The book encourages us to accept this, leading to a more compassionate understanding of ourselves and others.

6. Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain by David Eagleman

Offering a fresh perspective, David Eagleman delivers an expertly crafted narrative in "Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain" This book, published by Pantheon in 2011, explores the vast and often hidden workings of the human brain, focusing on the intricate relationship between our conscious and unconscious processes. Eagleman unveils the many ways our brain influences our thoughts, feelings, and actions, often without our conscious awareness, ultimately challenging our understanding of what it means to be human.

Awards

• Goodreads Choice Award (2011)

7. The Conscious Mind: In Search of a Fundamental Theory by David J. Chalmers

Published in 1997 by Oxford University Press, USA, "The Conscious Mind: In Search of a Fundamental Theory" delves into the complexities of consciousness, analyzing the ongoing debate between scientists and philosophers on its nature and origins. David J. Chalmers, a prominent philosopher, argues that the reductionist approach taken by current science fails to adequately explain the emergence of conscious experience from physical processes in the brain. He proposes a groundbreaking theory, suggesting that consciousness is a fundamental, irreducible entity, similar to concepts like time, mass, and space, and cannot be fully understood as the sum of its constituent parts. The book explores the implications of this new perspective on consciousness, examining potential applications in fields like artificial intelligence and quantum mechanics, while also presenting thought-provoking scenarios to illustrate the author's ideas.

Lesson learned

"The Conscious Mind" challenges us to reconsider our understanding of consciousness, arguing that it's not simply a product of brain activity. Chalmers proposes that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of reality, akin to space or time, prompting us to explore new avenues for understanding and studying the nature of our own minds and the universe at large.

• $19.18 for hardcover

8. The Feeling of What Happens: Body and Emotion in the Making of Consciousness by António Damásio

Offering a fresh perspective, António Damásio delivers an expertly crafted narrative in "The Feeling of What Happens: Body and Emotion in the Making of Consciousness" Published in 2000 by Harcourt, this book explores the intricate relationship between our bodies, emotions, and the development of consciousness. Damasio proposes that consciousness is not merely a product of the mind, but rather emerges from the interplay between our physical experiences and emotional responses. He argues that the "feeling of what happens" - our brain's awareness of bodily sensations and emotional reactions - is fundamental to the creation of our conscious experience.

Lesson learned

"The Feeling of What Happens" challenges the traditional view of consciousness as solely a product of the mind, arguing instead that it arises from the complex interaction between our bodies, emotions, and brains. The book encourages us to appreciate the intimate connection between our physical experiences and our conscious awareness, highlighting the crucial role of our bodies in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves.

• $5.99 for kindle

9. The Ego Tunnel: The Science of the Mind and the Myth of the Self by Thomas Metzinger

Published by Basic Books in 2009, "The Ego Tunnel: The Science of the Mind and the Myth of the Self" by Thomas Metzinger is a thought-provoking read that offers a thorough understanding of its key topics. Metzinger challenges the traditional notion of the self as an independent entity, arguing instead that it is a construct of the brain, a model of our own experience. He explores the implications of this perspective, examining the nature of consciousness, the evolution of self-awareness, and the role of the brain in creating our sense of identity. The book delves into questions about free will, personal autonomy, and moral accountability in light of this understanding of the self.

Who should read The Ego Tunnel: The Science of the Mind and the Myth of the Self?

• Philosophers
• Neuroscientists
• Psychologists
• Anyone interested in consciousness

Lesson learned

"The Ego Tunnel" encourages us to question our deeply held beliefs about the self, demonstrating that the sense of a unified, independent "I" is a product of our brain, not an inherent truth. This realization can lead to a more nuanced understanding of consciousness and a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay of our mental processes.

• $15.78 for hardcover
• $12.99 for kindle

10. The User Illusion: Cutting Consciousness Down to Size by Tor Nørretranders

Contributor: Jonathan Sydenham(Translator)

"The User Illusion: Cutting Consciousness Down to Size" (1999), by Tor Nørretranders, argues that consciousness represents a tiny fraction of our brain's processing power. The book, drawing on disciplines like psychology, evolutionary biology, and information theory, proposes that our unconscious mind sifts through and discards vast amounts of information, creating the illusion of conscious thought. Nørretranders posits that the "Me" we are unaware of, the unconscious mind, is actually the most valuable part of ourselves, responsible for our expertise and intuitive actions. The book highlights the disconnect between our conscious experience and the true workings of the brain, suggesting that we should embrace our instincts and senses to better appreciate the richness of human life.

Lesson learned

"The User Illusion" argues that our conscious awareness is a mere fraction of our brain's processing power. The book encourages readers to trust their instincts and senses, recognizing the vast unconscious mind as the source of our expertise and intuitive actions. Ultimately, the lesson is to appreciate the richness of human life by understanding the limitations of conscious thought and embracing the power of our unconscious mind.

• $44.38 for hardcover

11. The Hidden Spring: A Journey to the Source of Consciousness by Mark Solms

An insightful look at 'books about consciousness', 'The Hidden Spring: A Journey to the Source of Consciousness' by Mark Solms offers readers a comprehensive perspective on this topic. The book explores the "hard problem" of consciousness, examining how subjective experience arises from the brain. Solms, a leading neuroscientist, draws upon his decades of experience treating neurological patients and blends insights from psychoanalysis with contemporary neuroscience. By weaving together clinical observations and scientific research, Solms aims to provide a deeper understanding of the mind, revealing the origins of our thoughts, emotions, and attention.

• $15.94 - $19.51 for hardcover

12. The Mind's Past by Michael S. Gazzaniga

The work 'The Mind's Past' provokes thought by Michael S. Gazzaniga, delving into the core ideas surrounding 'books about consciousness'. The book explores the process of how our brains construct memories and narratives, highlighting the inherent fallibility of our perceptions and judgments. Gazzaniga, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist, argues that our conscious experience is often an illusion, shaped by unconscious brain processes that occur outside of our awareness. Through exploring the interplay of the brain and mind, Gazzaniga challenges our understanding of self and reality, emphasizing the role of instinctual processes in shaping our perception and influencing our beliefs and cultural understanding.

13. The Astonishing Hypothesis: The Scientific Search for the Soul by Francis Crick

With a focus on 'books about consciousness', ''The Astonishing Hypothesis: The Scientific Search for the Soul'' by Francis Crick showcasing the key aspects of this intricate topic. Crick, a Nobel laureate and co-discoverer of the DNA structure, argues that consciousness is a product of the brain, a complex biological system, and not a supernatural phenomenon. He proposes the "astonishing hypothesis" which posits that our subjective experiences, emotions, and thoughts can be fully explained by the physical workings of the brain, challenging traditional notions of the soul and spirituality. Crick delves into the mechanics of neural activity and how it gives rise to perception, memory, and cognition, offering a scientific perspective on 'books about consciousness'.

• from $2.43 for hardcover

14. The Conscious Brain: How Attention Engenders Experience by Jesse J. Prinz

A detailed exploration awaits in Jesse J. Prinz 'The Conscious Brain: How Attention Engenders Experience', where important concepts are laid out in an accessible yet informative way. The book examines the intricate relationship between attention and conscious experience, proposing that consciousness emerges at a specific stage of perceptual processing through the influence of attention. Prinz argues that attention alters the flow of information in the brain, allowing perceptual data to access memory systems and ultimately influencing conscious awareness. The book delves into the role of neural synchrony in this process, emphasizing its connection to the unity and duration of conscious experience. 'The Conscious Brain' tackles philosophical questions concerning dualism and the mind-body problem, offering a neuroscientific perspective to bridge the gap between scientific and philosophical understandings of consciousness.

15. The Illusion of Conscious Will by Daniel M. Wegner

In 'The Illusion of Conscious Will', Daniel M. Wegner provides an engaging and well-structured narrative that presents essential information in a clear manner. The book delves into the age-old debate surrounding free will versus determinism, challenging the notion that we consciously control our actions. Wegner argues that the feeling of conscious will is an illusion, a product of our brain's processing, and that our actions often happen to us rather than being consciously chosen. He explores various phenomena, such as hypnosis, automatic writing, and spirit possession, to illustrate this concept. While acknowledging the illusion, Wegner emphasizes that this perception of conscious will plays a crucial role in our understanding of ourselves and our sense of responsibility and morality.

• $1.47 for hardcover
• $22.99 for kindle

16. The Paradox of Self-Consciousness by José Luis Bermúdez

Published by Bradford Books in 2000, 'The Paradox of Self-Consciousness' by José Luis Bermúdez analyzes books about consciousness, which is essential for understanding the broader story. The book tackles the paradoxical nature of self-consciousness, arguing that it arises from the intricate relationship between self-conscious thought and linguistic self-reference. Bermúdez challenges traditional theories that define self-consciousness solely through language, suggesting that a more complete understanding requires considering prelinguistic and preconceptual forms of self-awareness. He proposes that these primitive forms, rooted in our bodily sensations, perceptions, and social interactions, provide the foundation for more complex self-consciousness. By examining these early stages of self-awareness, Bermúdez aims to resolve the paradox and offer a clearer explanation of the development of fully fledged self-consciousness.

• $22.95 for hardcover

17. The Blackwell Companion to Consciousness by

Contributor: Susan Schneider(Editor), Max Velmans(Editor)

"The Blackwell Companion to Consciousness" (2017), edited by Susan Schneider and Max Velmans, offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on consciousness. This updated and revised second edition features contributions from leading experts across various academic disciplines, providing a thorough exploration of different facets of consciousness. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the origins and extent of consciousness, different consciousness experiences like meditation and drug-induced states, and the neurological basis of consciousness. It also incorporates new research on integrated information theory and the renewed interest in panpsychism. The Companion aims to present a multifaceted and comprehensive understanding of consciousness, encompassing both theoretical and empirical perspectives.

• $139.95 for hardcover

18. The Phenomenal Self by Barry Dainton

In 'The Phenomenal Self', Barry Dainton provides an engaging and well-structured narrative that presents essential information in a clear manner. The book explores the concept of selfhood, arguing that our sense of self is primarily rooted in the continuity of our conscious experience, or phenomenal continuity. Dainton challenges the traditional view of selfhood as defined by psychological continuity, emphasizing that even significant psychological alterations do not necessarily threaten our sense of self as long as our stream of consciousness persists. He proposes that we can understand ourselves as systems of experiential capacities, which allows for the possibility of survival even through periods of unconsciousness. The book delves into various aspects of selfhood, including the simplicity of the self, the relationship between self and body, and the metaphysical implications of conceptualizing the self as a system of capacities.

• $152.80 - $154.36 for hardcover

19. The Rediscovery of the Mind by John Rogers Searle

With a focus on 'books about consciousness', ''The Rediscovery of the Mind'' by John Rogers Searle showcasing the key aspects of this intricate topic. Searle critiques prevalent philosophical approaches to the study of mind, arguing that the neglect of consciousness has led to a barren understanding. He emphasizes the importance of consciousness as a fundamental feature of the brain, not reducible to information processing or mental models. Searle challenges both materialism and dualism, proposing that consciousness is an intrinsic property of the brain, similar to liquidity being a property of water. He critiques cognitive science for its focus on objective behavior, asserting that understanding the mind requires acknowledging the subjective experience of consciousness. Searle advocates for a new approach to studying the mind that prioritizes consciousness as a central element in understanding mental functioning.

• $14.99 for kindle

20. The Consciousness Instinct: Unraveling the Mystery of How the Brain Makes the Mind by Michael S. Gazzaniga

"The Consciousness Instinct: Unraveling the Mystery of How the Brain Makes the Mind" (2018), by Michael S. Gazzaniga, explores the complex relationship between the brain and consciousness. Gazzaniga, a pioneer in cognitive neuroscience, presents a historical perspective on the mind-brain problem, highlighting the enduring questions and recent breakthroughs. He challenges the traditional view of the brain as a machine, proposing instead a model of the brain as a network of independent modules working together. Gazzaniga suggests that understanding this modular organization is key to unraveling the origins of consciousness and has implications for the future of brain science and artificial intelligence. The book emphasizes the need to move beyond simplistic analogies and embrace a more nuanced understanding of the dynamic interaction between the brain and mind.

• from $4.00 for hardcover
• $2.99 for kindle

21. The Mind's New Science: A History of the Cognitive Revolution by Howard Gardner

"The Mind's New Science: A History of the Cognitive Revolution" (1987), by Howard Gardner, delves into the history of cognitive science, examining its evolution and key contributions to understanding the nature of knowledge. The book traces the emergence of this interdisciplinary field, exploring how it challenged traditional views of the mind and led to new models of cognition. Gardner examines the interplay of various disciplines, including psychology, linguistics, computer science, and philosophy, to provide a comprehensive account of the cognitive revolution. Through historical analysis, the book sheds light on the ongoing quest to understand the mind's processes and how knowledge is acquired, processed, and represented.

• $14.75 for hardcover

22. The Consciousness Revolution by Ervin Laszlo, Stanislav Grof, Peter Russell

'The Consciousness Revolution' by Ervin Laszlo, Stanislav Grof, Peter Russell is a thorough study of books about consciousness, allows readers to explore the central themes of the book. This book presents a dialogue between three prominent thinkers, exploring the nature of consciousness and its implications for individual and collective transformation. Laszlo, Grof, and Russell delve into various dimensions of consciousness, including its connection to the cosmos, the potential for transpersonal experiences, and the role of consciousness in shaping our reality. The book emphasizes the importance of cultivating a deeper understanding and experience of consciousness for personal growth, societal progress, and a more harmonious relationship with the world.

23. The Feeling Brain: The Biology and Psychology of Emotions by Elizabeth Johnston, Leah Olson

In 'The Feeling Brain: The Biology and Psychology of Emotions', Elizabeth Johnston, Leah Olson provides an engaging and well-structured narrative that presents essential information in a clear manner. The book explores the burgeoning field of affective neuroscience, examining how emotions are processed in the brain and their influence on behavior. Building upon the work of pioneers like Charles Darwin and William James, the authors trace the development of this discipline and highlight key researchers and their contributions. The book delves into fundamental questions about the nature of emotions, including their function, the role of the body, and the relationship between emotions and feelings. It also explores the impact of emotions on higher brain functions like cognition and decision-making, and discusses how emotional regulation affects mental health and well-being.

• $19.95 - $25.79 for hardcover