This book provides a comprehensive and novel theory of consciousness. In clear and non-technical language, Christopher Hill provides interrelated accounts of six main forms of consciousness — agent consciousness, propositional consciousness (consciousness that), introspective consciousness, relational consciousness (consciousness of), experiential consciousness, and phenomenal consciousness. He develops the representational theory of mind in new directions, showing in detail how it can be used to undercut dualistic accounts of mental states. In addition he offers original and stimulating discussions of a range of psychological phenomena, including visual awareness, pain, emotional qualia, and introspection. His important book will interest a wide readership of students and scholars in philosophy of mind and cognitive science. ~ Product Description

Table of Contents

• • List of figures
  • 1   Forms of consciousness 1
  • 2   Theories of qualia 28
  • 3   Awareness, representation, and experience 69
  • 4   The refutation of dualism 100
  • 5   Visual awareness and visual qualia 128
  • 6   Ouch! The paradox of pain 169
  • 7   Internal weather: The metaphysics of emotional qualia 192
  • 8   Introspection and consciousness 217
  • 9   A summary, two supplements, and a look beyond 247
  • Index 261

Editorial Reviews

“Christopher Hill’s Consciousness is the most compelling development and defense of representationalist physicalism about consciousness that I know. It takes the representational approach to a new level. There is a wealth of material here, with every important topic and issue covered judiciously and in detail. Hill’s engagement with the current debates in the field illuminates his own views and make them stand out with great clarity. His book has forced me to rethink my own views about consciousness; another reading might convert me into a representationalist myself – something I would never have thought possible. This excellent book cannot be ignored by anyone with a serious interest in consciousness, physicalism, and the mind-body problem.” ~ Jaegwon Kim, Brown University