A short walk around the subject
Derek Steinberg
CRC Press eBooks August 17, 2018 DOI: 10.4324/9781315377179-1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that consciousness studies remain characterized by bafflement and controversy, particularly regarding the core nature or existence of the Self, and contends that consciousness cannot be grasped through philosophy alone or neuroscience alone. Cites Sutherland's description of consciousness as an elusive phenomenon whose nature, function, and evolution cannot be specified, and Dennett's characterization of it as the last surviving mystery. |
Abstract
The state of the study of consciousness at the beginning of the twenty-first century involves, appropriately, a degree of bafflement and controversy, particularly over the question of the core nature or even existence of something called Self. As recently as 1995 Sutherland, in compiling his International Dictionary of Psychology , was able to say that ‘Consciousness is a fascinating but elusive phenomenon: it is impossible to specify what it is, what it does and why it evolved. D. Dennett, who is as familiar as anyone with the conceptual, commonsensical and other problems of consciousness, describes it as the last surviving mystery: ‘Consciousness stands alone today as a topic that often leaves even the most sophisticated thinkers tongue-tied and confused’. Consciousness is never going to be grasped by an appeal to philosophy alone nor to neuroscience alone, which makes up an even greater part. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.