Now in its fourth edition, this highly popular text is the definitive introduction to consciousness, exploring the key theories and evidence in consciousness studies ranging from neuroscience and psychology to quantum theories and philosophy.

Written by mother and daughter author team Susan Blackmore and Emily Troscianko, the book examines why the term ‘consciousness’ has no recognised definition.

It also provides an opportunity to delve into personal intuitions about the self, mind, and consciousness.

Featuring comprehensive coverage of all core topics in the field, the book explains why the problem of consciousness is so hard. Theories of attention and free will, altered states of consciousness, and the differences between conscious and unconscious are all explored.

Written with students of psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy in mind, this edition has been thoroughly updated throughout, and includes expanded coverage of panpsychism, illusionism, predictive processing, adversarial collaboration, psychedelics, and AI.

Complete with key concept boxes, profiles of well-known thinkers, and questions and activities designed for both independent study and group work, Consciousness provides a complete introduction to this fascinating field, and is essential reading for students of psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience.

۱ What’s the problem?
۲ What is it like to be …?
۳ The grand illusion
۴ Neuroscience and the correlates of consciousness
۵ The theatre of the mind
۶ The unity of consciousness
۷ Attention
۸ Conscious and unconscious
۹ Agency and free will

۱۰ Evolution and animal minds
۱۱ The function of consciousness
۱۲ The evolution of machines
۱۳ Altered states of consciousness
۱۴ Reality and imagination
۱۵ Dreaming and beyond
۱۶ Egos, bundles, and theories of self
۱۷ The view from within?
۱۸ Waking up