Consciousness

Scientific American Library Series #67

by J. Allan Hobson

Book by Hobson, J. Allan

Genres: Psychology, Science

258 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1998

About the author

John Allan Hobson is an American psychiatrist and dream researcher. He is known for his research on rapid eye movement sleep. He is Professor of Psychiatry, Emeritus, Harvard Medical School, and Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Reviews

[Maica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lifting the flaps in George Bartisch’s Ophthalmodouleia. This 1583 book includes flaps that allow readers to “dissect” the layers of the head and brain.

This remains as my most favorite book so far on consciousness and I'm biased because I own a copy of it. It's both a textbook, and a reflection on the the psychology and neuroscience of consciousness, packed with biological information and tidbits of the author's musings and experiences. Another aspect of the book that I adore much are the art reproductions (specifically surrealism), poetry and quotations at the beginning of every chapter. It's hilarious how J. Allan Hobson pokes fun at at psychoanalysis, saying why do so many people fell for this 'brainless approach.' :) Though it's limited in scope considering the advancement in the understanding of consciousness in both its material and philosophical aspects, over-all, this book is a wonderful read. It's also where I gained new information on some scientists working on the topic by incorporating it on other fields such as physics, namely Roger Penrose, et alia.

[Thomas Vanh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found it an intresting read. It got me thinking. However I think that some parts are writtin in a too complex way. Which makes it less accessible for different readers.