Consciousness

Consciousness PDF

Author: Susan Blackmore

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 169

ISBN-13: 0198794738

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Consciousness, the last great mystery for science, remains a hot topic. How can a physical brain create our experience of the world? What creates our identity? Do we really have free will? Could consciousness itself be an illusion? Exciting new developments in brain science are continuing the debates on these issues, and the field has now expanded to include biologists, neuroscientists, psychologists, and philosophers. This controversial book clarifies the potentially confusing arguments, and the major theories, whilst also outlining the amazing pace of discoveries in neuroscience. Covering areas such as the construction of self in the brain, mechanisms of attention, the neural correlates of consciousness, and the physiology of altered states of consciousness, Susan Blackmore highlights our latest findings. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Altered States of Consciousness

Altered States of Consciousness PDF

Author: Charles T. Tart

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 1969

Total Pages: 600

ISBN-13:

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Whenever I speak on the topic of dreams, I mention a very unusual of dream the lucid dream in which the dreamer knows he is dreaming and feels fully conscious difficulties in defining states of consciousness, I always ask weather anyone has the slightest doubt that he is awake that is in a normal state of consciouness at the moment; I have never found anyone who had difficulty in making this destinction.

Altered States of Consciousness

Altered States of Consciousness PDF

Author: Marc Wittmann

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2023-11-07

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 0262546086

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What altered states of consciousness—the dissolution of feelings of time and self—can tell us about the mystery of consciousness. During extraordinary moments of consciousness—shock, meditative states and sudden mystical revelations, out-of-body experiences, or drug intoxication—our senses of time and self are altered; we may even feel time and self dissolving. These experiences have long been ignored by mainstream science, or considered crazy fantasies. Recent research, however, has located the neural underpinnings of these altered states of mind. In this book, neuropsychologist Marc Wittmann shows how experiences that disturb or widen our everyday understanding of the self can help solve the mystery of consciousness. Wittmann explains that the relationship between consciousness of time and consciousness of self is close; in extreme circumstances, the experiences of space and self intensify and weaken together. He considers the emergence of the self in waking life and dreams; how our sense of time is distorted by extreme situations ranging from terror to mystical enlightenment; the experience of the moment; and the loss of time and self in such disorders as depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Dostoyevsky reported godly bliss during epileptic seizures; neurologists are now investigating the phenomenon of the epileptic aura. Wittmann describes new studies of psychedelics that show how the brain builds consciousness of self and time, and discusses pilot programs that use hallucinogens to treat severe depression, anxiety, and addiction. If we want to understand our consciousness, our subjectivity, Wittmann argues, we must not be afraid to break new ground. Studying altered states of consciousness leads us directly to the heart of the matter: time and self, the foundations of consciousness.

Mild Everyday Altered States of Consciousness

Mild Everyday Altered States of Consciousness PDF

Author: Eileen Sheppard

Publisher:

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 628

ISBN-13:

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"This thesis presents an ethnographic study of altered states of consciousness. [...] Altered states of consciousness (herein termed ASCs) are states seen to lie beyond the Western monophasic level of consciousness known as rational waking state. People experiencing these states often describe them as being very absorbed in what they are doing or thinking, to the point of losing track of what is going on around them. They may be experienced very regularly in everyday life, yet there has been very little study of them, even though early psychologists in the late 19th and early 20th century did start to explore consciousness. The work of William James, writing at the turn of the century, has been inspirational for this thesis." -- Introduction, leaf 1.

States of Consciousness

States of Consciousness PDF

Author: Charles T. Tart

Publisher: Dutton Adult

Published: 1975

Total Pages: 328

ISBN-13:

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Explains the author's systems approach to observed and altered states of consciousness, such as dreams, hypnosis, meditation, drug states, and emotional states.

Distorted Conscious

Distorted Conscious PDF

Author: Aurora T Huntington

Publisher: Independently Published

Published: 2024-05-17

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Discover the world of altered consciousness with "Distorted Conscious: Unveiling Altered State Phenomena". Dive deep into an exploration of what consciousness means, both in theory and in reality. Learn about historical and cultural perspectives of altered states, understanding their profound implications throughout human existence. This thought-provoking book introduces readers to the various types of altered states of consciousness, from the mundane to the extraordinary. Dreams, hypnosis, meditation, and even near-death experiences are all discussed in detail, with explanations rooted in both science and metaphysics. Not only does this book delve into the world of dreams and their significance, but it also examines the role of trance states like hypnosis and its various applications, shedding light on the nebulous realm of the subconscious mind. Readers will also gain an understanding of the impacts of various psychoactive substances on our state of consciousness. Particular attention is paid to the fascinating field of sensory deprivation and its impact on mind and body. Readers are also taken on a journey through sleep and consciousness, an area little understood yet crucial to our daily life. The connection between altered states and religion is explored, shedding new light on practices like shamanism and modern spirituality. The influence of altered states on art and creativity is also discussed, along with its relevance in psychology and therapeutic settings. With chapters dedicated to the role of brain mechanisms in altered states and complementary ethical considerations, this book provides a comprehensive look at these phenomena. Future directions and research prospects concerning altered states are highlighted, suggesting ways of integrating these experiences into daily life. "Distorted Conscious: Unveiling Altered State Phenomena" is a must-read for anyone interested in consciousness, psychology, spirituality, or simply looking to expand their understanding of the mind. This exploration of the extraordinary experiences that lie just beyond our normal waking consciousness promises to challenge your perspective and inspire your curiosity. Whether you are a professional in the field of psychology, a student of philosophy, or simply an individual seeking to deepen your understanding of the human mind, this book is an invaluable resource. Journey beyond the veils of ordinary perception with "Distorted Conscious: Unveiling Altered State Phenomena". Discover how much more there is to consciousness than you ever imagined. CONTENTS: - Understanding Consciousness - Definition of Consciousness - Theories and Perspectives - Altered States of Consciousness - Definition and Examples - Historical and Cultural Perspectives - Dreams as Altered States - Types of Dreams - The Science of Dreaming - Hypnosis and Trance - Understanding Hypnosis - Theories and Applications - Meditation and Mindfulness - Overview of Meditation - Benefits and Techniques - Substance-Induced Altered States - Impact of Drugs on Consciousness - Types of Psychoactive Drugs - Near-Death Experiences - Understanding Near-Death Experiences - Research and Theories - Sensory Deprivation and Altered Consciousness - Defining Sensory Deprivation - Effects on the Mind and Body - Sleep and Consciousness - Stages of Sleep - Sleep disorders - Altered States and Religion - Shamanism and Mysticism - Modern Spirituality - Art and Altered Consciousness - Creative Flow and Trance States - Exploration of Artwork + MORE

Altered States

Altered States PDF

Author: Paddy Chayefsky

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Published: 1978

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13:

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Altered States is the ultimate horror story-- the story of one young scientist's terrifying experiment to find the origins of consciousness. Entombed in an isolation tank, fed with a powerful hallucinogenic drug, he experiences finally the supreme moment of terror that is the beginning of life.