Perplexities of Consciousness, by Eric Schwitzgebel

Abstract

Eric Schwitzgebel’s book is an important contribution to the study of consciousness. Through a series of case studies, Schwitzgebel aims to establish that we know much less about own conscious experience than we might have thought. His discussion covers: the colour of dreams (Ch. 1); shape constancy and double vision (Ch. 2); imagery (Ch. 3); human echolocation (Ch. 4); after-images, auditory tones, and various visual illusions (Ch. 5); unattended stimuli (Ch. 6); emotion and inner speech (Ch. 7); and the inner light show (Ch. 8). The book has the liveliness found in the best non-fiction writing. It is a scientifically informed and conversational account of a journey into the mysterious jungle of consciousness and, like a good travel guide, effortlessly carries the reader with the writer to a fascinating land. While reading the book, we learned much about our own consciousness as well as what we don’t know or are unsure of regarding it. The book provokes much needed reflection regarding philosophical reliance on the deliverances of introspection in theorizing about consciousness.