New Directions in Consciousness Studies describes a range of fresh ideas which promise to significantly advance scientific understanding of human nature. Written in non-specialized language, the book draws upon concepts and research from history, philosophy, neuroscience and physics to delineate new approaches to the study of consciousness. Early chapters deal with a range of ideas about our nature, and suggest that mind can usefully be viewed as a type of dynamic landscape. The account shows how our minds relate to their societies, brains and bodies and how they differ from computers. Later chapters develop a theory of the basis of consciousness (SoS theory). Using the physical concept of ‘broken symmetry’ the author shows how conscious mind may be rooted in temporality; a view that is supported by the occurrence of a wide range of anomalous phenomena. Potentially valuable future lines of research are identified. This is a unique and engaging book that will appeal to students and academics in the field of consciousness studies and other readers with an interest in consciousness.

Product Description: Here is an account of mentality and human experience, written for a multi-disciplinary readership. The focus is on how mind, consciousness and selves inter-relate, extending into exploration of ideas about the nature of awareness and a search for relevant evidence...read more

Offers an understanding of how our minds behave during sleep, how the craze for alien abduction came about, and what our sense of beauty may be based on. Also including near-death and mystical experiences, among other topics, this book is an investigation into the dynamics of mind and memory and how ideas seem to have a life of their own.

Awareness: What it is, What it does is an accessible, up-to-date examination of scientific thinking about the nature of consciousness. Written to be understood by the non-specialist, Chris Nunn begins by describing basic facts about the brain and the physical world. He then examines various theories of consciousness, highlighting their relative strengths and weaknesses, and their practical implications especially for medicine and psychiatry. The study of awareness is currently a fast developing adn controversial area. This book contains a state-of-the art overview of some of the most exciting theoretical adn experimental advances. It will be of interest to a wide range of academics, students and general readers. Chris Nunn is a former Consultant Psychiatrist, based in Southampton. He combined his role providing services to local communities with extensive research interests in mind/body relationships and awareness.