The User Illusion: Cutting Consciousness Down to Size - Hardcover

Nrretranders, Tor

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0670875791 ISBN 13: 9780670875795

Publisher: Viking, 1998

Synopsis

As John Casti wrote, "Finally, a book that really does explain consciousness." This groundbreaking work by Denmark's leading science writer draws on psychology, evolutionary biology, information theory, and other disciplines to argue its revolutionary point: that consciousness represents only an infinitesimal fraction of our ability to process information. Although we are unaware of it, our brains sift through and discard billions of pieces of data in order to allow us to understand the world around us. In fact, most of what we call thought is actually the unconscious discarding of information. What our consciousness rejects constitutes the most valuable part of ourselves, the "Me" that the "I" draws on for most of our actions -- fluent speech, riding a bicycle, anything involving expertise. No wonder that, in this age of information, so many of us feel empty and dissatisfied. As engaging as it is insightful, this important book encourages us to rely more on what our instincts and our senses tell us so that we can better appreciate the richness of human life.

About this title

About the Author:

Tor Norretranders is the leading science writer in Denmark where THE USER ILLUSION was a bestseller. He is an award-winning author of more than ten books and hosts numerous television programmes on science-related topics. He lives in Denmark.

Synopsis:

Explores how the "user illusion" of the computer world applies to our own consciousness, and encourages readers to find a better understanding of the consciousness and to celebrate the joys of the world.

About this edition

• Publisher: Viking
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0670875791
• ISBN 13: 9780670875795
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 480