Consciousness in Interaction

Consciousness in Interaction is an interdisciplinary collection with contributions from philosophers, psychologists, cognitive scientists, and historians of philosophy. It revolves around the idea that consciousness emerges from, and impacts on, our skilled interactions with the natural and social context. Section one discusses how phenomenal consciousness and subjective selfhood are grounded on natural and social interactions, and what role brain activity plays in these phenomena. Section two analyzes how interactions with external objects and other human beings shape our understanding of ourselves, and how consciousness changes social interaction, self-control and emotions. Section three provides historical depth to the volume, by tracing the roots of the contemporary notion of consciousness in early modern philosophy. The book offers interdisciplinary insight on a variety of key topics in consciousness research: as such, it is of particular interest for researchers from philosophy of mind, phenomenology, cognitive and social sciences, and humanities.

Andy Clark, University of Edinburgh:
Might consciousness be better understood as an interactive, situated achievement rather than as some kind of mystery ingredient added to passive perception? The Consciousness in Interaction research project pursued this fundamental question from multiple perspectives and (fittingly) in a series of highly interactive engagements that structured and informed this wonderful volume of essays. The volume is a fitting tribute to Susan Hurley, to whom it is dedicated, and a landmark publication in the search for a richer understanding of consciousness and the structure of experience.