Understanding Phenomenal Consciousness

William S. Robinson presents a dualistic theory of mind called Qualitative Event Realism, which argues against dominant materialist views by focusing on sensory experiences such as pain, afterimages, colors, sounds, and odors. The theory is relevant to the development of a science of consciousness pursued by philosophers, psychologists, and brain scientists. The book is aimed at students and professionals in the philosophy of mind and has cross-disciplinary appeal in cognitive psychology and the brain sciences.

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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.