Content and Consciousness

by Daniel C. Dennett

Overview

A pioneering work in the philosophy of mind, Content and Consciousness brings together the approaches of philosophers and scientists to the mind--a connection that must occur if genuine analysis of the mind is to be made. This unified approach permits the

most forbiddingly mysterious mental phenomenon--consciousness--to be broken down into several distinct phenomena, and these are each given a foundation in the physical activity of the brain. This paperback edition contains a preface placing the book in the context of recent work in the

area.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138153349
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/16/2016
Series:	International Library of Philosophy
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	214
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Daniel C. Dennett (b. 1942) is University Professor and Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy at Tufts University, and Co-Director of the Center for Cognitive Studies. The author of numerous books on the human mind and consciousness, he is also a critic of religion and a public defender of Darwin and evolution.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Routledge Classics Edition Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the First Edition Part 1: The Language of the Mind I. The Ontological Problem of the Mind 1. The Mind and Science 2. Existence and Identity II. Intentionality 3. The Problem of Intentionality 4. Two Blind Alleys 5. The Way Out III. Evolution of the Brain 6. The Intelligent Use of Information 7. The Evolution of Appropriate Structures 8. Goal-directed Behaviour IV. The Ascription of Content 9. Function and Content 10. Language and Content 11. Personal and Sub-Personal Levels and Explanation: Pain Part 2: Consciousness V. Introspective Certainty 12. The Certainty of Certain Utterances 13. A Perceiving Machine VI. Awareness and Consciousness 14. The Ordinary Words 15. Awareness and Control 16. Consciousness VII. Mental Imagery 17. The Name of Images and the Introspective Trap 18. Colours VIII Thinking and Reasoning 19. People and Processes 20. Reasons and Causes IX. Actions and Intentions 21. Intentional Actions 22. Willing 23. The Importance of Intentional Actions X. Language and Understanding 24. Knowing and Understanding 25. Language and Information 26. Conclusions Index

Editorial Reviews

‘It presents a compelling and sometimes profound conception of the subject; it is ambitious without being grandiose; it employs scientific information effectively and ingeniously; its style, moreover, is enviable clear witty, clear, fluent and relaxed. One rarely encounters a difficult work of technical philosophy that is such a pleasure to read.’ - Thomas Nagel, Journal of Philosophy

‘Content and Consciousness is an extraordinarily interesting and original book, and one which will raise the level of current discussion in the philosophy of mind.’ - Richard Rorty, Philosophical Studies

'I have certainly been greatly stimulated by reading the book, and I recommend it to all others who have an interest in the problems of mind and body and of physicalism and its alternatives.' - J.C.C. Smart, Mind

'One rarely encounters a difficult work of technical philosophy that is such a pleasure to read.’ – Thomas Nagel, Journal of Philosophy

From the Publisher