Evolving the Mind: On the Nature of Matter and the Origin of Consciousness

by A.G. Cairns-Smith

The next great revolution in science will undoubtedly be the emergence of a useful theory of consciousness--a theory based on our better understanding of molecules and brains and of the nature of science itself. Evolving the Mind broaches both of these themes, covering how ideas about the mind evolved in science and how the mind itself evolved in Nature. What Cairns-Smith does that is particularly compelling is to synthesize the contributions of a wide range of scientific disciplines (physics, molecular biology, brain science, and evolution) to bring science to the brink of a unified theory of consciousness. The author thoroughly explores this complex concept in a straightforward, conversational style. Few readers will be able to resist the exciting conclusion that we are closing in on a scientific theory of consciousness.

Genres: Science

340 pages, Hardcover

First published March 21, 1996

About the author

Alexander Graham Cairns-Smith, also known as Graham Cairns-Smith (born 1931) is a chemist and biologist. He works at Glasgow University (England).

Reviews

[Kevin]

a search for the seat of consciousness in fairly rigorous neurophysiological terms. i admit to being surprised by this book. i was half expecting to find some woo pointing at nothing but the worst kind of spiritualist rhetoric with some science thrown in. the kind of thing that Linus Pauling got into with his preaching about vitamin C or what you see in Deepak Chopra. Dr. Cairns-Smith kept carefully within the boundaries of neuroscience and psychology, asking legitimately what consciousness is.

His conclusion is really no conclusion. The end of the book presents several hypotheses that Cairns-Smith finds very promising in explaining consciousness or, at least, set the stage for developing a deeper understanding. They all adhere to his strict rule that the matter of the brain gives rise to consciousness and they all use some aspect of macroquantum effects at their core. Quantum theory, here, remains in bounds of actual science rather than flying off into realms of mystical fantasy fueled by low science literacy. It’s really refreshing to find this.

[SJ]

barely remember anything, liked the pictures tho

[Robert]

I thought this book was too technically detailed for the informed non-neurobiologist and not enlightened enough about the philosophical problems of consciousness and the mind/brain question.

[Jose]

Un poco de física newtoniana, otro tanto de física cuántica, bastante formulación orgánica y cosis de bioquímica pero de lo que interesa, es decir, de ponerse en materia respecto a aproximaciones a qué es plausible dentro de las teorías que expliquen la actividad cerebral y la conciencia, pues casi nada, un 10% del libro a lo sumo.

Y encima una coda en forma de diálogo entre chavales que es que no se le ocurre ni a un profesor de instituto "enrollao" en los años del progresismo.

[mrcurly Mrcurly]

Brilliant introductory summary of relevant physics, chemistry, biochemistry, brain.
No -isms; everything explained. Great analysis of consciousness.