Consciousness, Second Edition An Introduction [Kindle Edition]

In effect the book provides the reader with a 'jumping off point', suggesting that the only way in which you will gain insight into matters related to consciousness is by introspection. In other words, no theory will do the trick - the answers lie in analysing your own subjective experience. What Blackmore does is lay out the key points of various theories through all the relevant disciplines: psychology, philosophy, religion and science.

Of course, this approach does have its weakness - and this is true of any kind of popularisation of a subject. No doubt some would complain that Blackmores approach amounts to 'dumbing down'. However, this is exactly why the book is referred to as an 'introduction', and those looking for a new take on the subject will end up disappointed. However, there are ample references, enabling the reader to pick up on the leads Blackmore gives. As Blackmore writes, studying consciousness completely changes your view of the world, and its something you have to be ready for. Another guarantee is that you will end up more confused than you begun: consciousness can demystify far more than it can explain. However, if you want an intellectual challenge that will change your life this book is worth every penny.

This new book is modestly subtitled, "An Introduction" - but I suppose many definitive works on a particular subject are thus categorized. There is little doubt that the author covers the field thoroughly and meticulously, with some references as recently published as 2003.

What is a surprise is that the book is laid out for class study, with suggested activities, comprehension questions and further reading listed with every chapter. But thumbnail biographies of relevant personages also accompany each chapter, and pithy to-the-point quotations are dotted in the margins. Susan's son contributed cute little cartoons here and there, also relevant to the context. All in all, a well thought-out presentation which succeeds admirably.

As to actual content, this fuzzy science of human consciousness doesn't lend itself to breakthrough pronouncements - the 'Illusion of consciousness' and 'No free will' concepts are well covered in previous books.

Once again, the punting of Ms. Blackmore's personal Buddhist views are a little jarring - which she admits - but they do tend to detract from the overall scientific approach to the subject.

I recommend this book to laypeople such as myself who have an interest in this 'last great mystery of science ' - but don't expect a final word on the subject.