Alterations of Consciousness: An Empirical Analysis for Social Scientists

by Imants Barušs

Univ. of Western Ontario, Canada. Text investigates the nature of cognitive reality. Explores various manifestations of consciousness starting with ordinary states such as thinking, sleeping, and dreaming. Also explores the more extraordinary states such as hypnosis, trance, psychedelic experiences, transcendence, and experiences associated with death.

Genres: Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Imants Barušs is Professor of Psychology at King's University College at The University of Western Ontario, Canada.
His interest is in all aspects of consciousness studies although his research has been focussed primarily on quantum consciousness, altered states of consciousness, self-transformation, mathematical modeling of consciousness, and beliefs about consciousness and reality.

Reviews

[j0n · Rating 2 out of 5]

Presents a decent collection of intriguing research, but Baruss frequently leaps to unwarranted conclusions based, apparently, on a faulty understanding of what scientific naturalism entails. A lot of the studies he summarizes are quite interesting, but throughout the book, Baruss seems compelled to attempt to use these data to support his half-baked metaphysical questioning, which tends to be more appropriate for a late-night session of stoned musing than it is for a science book.

[Ashley]

I didn't read the entire thing but intend to.