“The subjective nature of consciousness used to be a matter for philosophical debate, outside any approach from the objective methods of the natural sciences. No longer: emboldened neuroscientists and evolutionary biologists are making a determined effort to bring this last mysterious refuge into the realm of the natural. In their previous book, The Ancient Origins of Consciousness, Feinberg and Mallatt show how consciousness arises as an emergent evolutionary phenomenon with the growth of nervous systems and brains; now they go further, showing how their theory of neurobiological naturalism can resolve the 'hard problem' of subjectivity itself.”
Steven Rose, Emeritus Professor of Neuroscience, Open University, UK
“Essential reading for anyone wanting insight into consciousness as a natural, evolved function of vertebrate life. As in the authors' previous book, The Ancient Origins of Consciousness, the emphasis is on the diverse nature of different types of sensory experience, their early origin in the vertebrate lineage, and the multiplicity of brain regions responsible for producing them. This conceptual approach is already stimulating renewed interest in the relevant behavior and neurocircuitry of lower vertebrates, as a means of examining some of the more mysterious aspects of consciousness in a simpler, less mammalian-centric context. A digression on the habits and behaviors of lampreys will surprise those not familiar with these remarkable animals.”
Thurston C. Lacalli, Biology Department, University of Victoria, Canada
“In Consciousness Demystified, Todd Feinberg and Jon Mallatt argue convincingly that the perceptual and emotional forms of consciousness originate early in vertebrate evolution, and that they are a prerequisite for the complex integration of visual scenes with other senses required for the dynamic planning of action, as when a predator is hunting down prey. A thoughtful and interesting read.”
Sten Grillner, Professor, Nobel Institute for Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
"Compared to The Ancient Origins of Consciousness, Consciousness Demystified is more condensed, less technical and accessible to a wider range of readers interested in understanding consciousness. This agile book, with its armamentarium of useful tools (Glossary, Notes, References, Index), undoubtedly contributes to the enduring appeal of the neuroscientific study of consciousness."
British Journal of Psychiatry-International
"Serious scholars are likely to find their appetite whetted.... a worthwhile read."
THE PSYCHOLOGIST
