Investigating Phenomenal Consciousness
Advances in Consciousness Research November 29, 2000 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1075/aicr.13
Summary
The book explores various methods for investigating phenomenal consciousness, aiming to enhance understanding of its nature and its relationship with the brain. It discusses first-person, second-person, and third-person approaches to study consciousness in different contexts, including social and therapeutic settings. By outlining the strengths and weaknesses of these methods, the book provides interdisciplinary 'maps' that situate different approaches within the broader field of consciousness studies.
Abstract
How can one investigate phenomenal consciousness? As in other areas of science, the investigation of consciousness aims for a more precise knowledge of its phenomena, and the discovery of general truths about their nature. This requires the development of appropriate first-person, second-person and third-person methods. This book introduces some of the creative ways in which these methods can be applied to different purposes, e.g. to understanding the relation of consciousness to brain, to examining or changing consciousness as such, and to understanding the way consciousness is influenced by social, clinical and therapeutic contexts. To clarify the strengths and weaknesses of different methods and to demonstrate the interplay of methodology and epistemology, the book also suggests a number of “maps” of the consciousness studies terrain that place different approaches to the study of consciousness into a broader, interdisciplinary context. (Series A).