Description: What makes us who we are? From a scientific viewpoint, any individuals existence is improbable at best. Consciousness as an actuality is inarguable; any conclusions regarding its nature, however, are far from definite. This work argues the view of self as a field of pure consciousness, debating the existence of a continuing self and drawing conclusions about this entity and its relation to the physical body and the physical world. Beginning with an exploration of the relationship between mind and matter, it discusses psi phenomena such as extra-sensory perception and psychokinesis and their implications for our understanding of the mind and the cosmos. Additional topics include the perennial mind-body problem; the role of consciousness in quantum mechanics (and conversely the role of quantum mechanics in the study of consciousness); the anthropic principle; and evidence for Intelligent Design. Quasi-religious questions such as the survival of a consciousness after death are also addressed.
Brief description: Mathematical psychologist Douglas M. Stokes is a former associate editor of the Journal of Parapsychology and has contributed to various journals and publications on the subject. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Review Quotes: "recommended"-Choice; "an interesting, up-to-date and well-informed excursion into the theoretical underpinnings of consciousnes and cosmos from quanta to qualia and beyond...a highly educating and entertaining read"-Journal of the Society for Psychical Research; "exceptionally well-informed...provocative...comprehensive"-The Scientific and Medical Network.