On the Mechanisms of Consciousness: How consciousness works

It has the following chapters:

1. Introduction.

2. A definition of consciousness: A simple definition of consciousness, in words, that is consistent with the model.

3. A simplified model of consciousness: A diagram of how consciousness works, in a simplified form, with a description of its main features.

4. The mechanisms of consciousness: A more detailed description of each of the main mechanisms of consciousness.

5. Where did the magic go? How could a relatively simple information processing architecture generate the experience of being conscious?

6. Answers to philosophical questions about consciousness: Some of the longstanding questions that philosophers discuss are answered using the model.

7. Conclusions

The model can be used to understand how consciousness works in ourselves and others, and to create artificially conscious entities. It provides a straightforward approach to answering longstanding philosophical questions such as: ‘Do we have free will?”, “What is consciousness for?” and “Why is there unity of consciousness?”

The book includes 18 Figures and does not assume any specialist knowledge.