Understanding Phenomenal Consciousness
March 29, 2004 DOI: 10.1017/cbo9780511498886
Summary
William S. Robinson presents a dualistic view of the mind, termed Qualitative Event Realism, which emphasizes sensory experiences and perception qualities. This perspective challenges dominant materialist views and is significant for developing a science of consciousness, attracting interest from both philosophers and researchers in psychology and brain sciences.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Robinson's theory, Qualitative Event Realism, opposes materialist views by focusing on sensory experiences and perception. |
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Abstract
William S. Robinson has for many years written insightfully about the mind-body problem. In Understanding Phenomenal Consciousness he focuses on sensory experience (e.g., pain, afterimages) and perception qualities such as colours, sounds and odours to present a dualistic view of the mind, called Qualitative Event Realism, that goes against the dominant materialist views. This theory is relevant to the development of a science of consciousness which is now being pursued not only by philosophers but by researchers in psychology and the brain sciences. This provocative book will interest students and professionals who work in the philosophy of mind and will also have cross-disciplinary appeal in cognitive psychology and the brain sciences.