Consciousness: from perception to reflection in the history of philosophy

Edited by
Sara Heinämaa, Vili Lähteenmäki, Pauliina Remes

pp. 12-366

Studies in the History of Philosophy of Mind | 4

Springer

2007

Abstract

Despite decades of theoretization, consciousness continues to haunt contemporary philosophy of mind. The coherence and validity of the concept are in question, yet consciousness seems to resist the projects of reduction and naturalization. This collection opens a diachronical perspective to intuitions about consciousness and our aspiration of coming to grips with it. Through investigating ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern discussions in their original philosophical context, the articles offer understanding of the emergence of our problems concerning consciousness, as well as a wealth of alternative ways of conceptualizing it.