Consciousness

by Weaver, Donald F.

• ISBN13: 9781405168052
• ISBN10: 1405168056
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-01-01
• Publisher: BLACKWELL PUBLISHING

Summary

Consciousness provides a rigorous evaluation of consciousness at a level of interest primarily to molecular level researchers (neuroscientists, neuropharmacologists), chemists, and some physicists. The book opens with an introduction to the philosophical and psychological perspectives and endeavours to link the conventional study of consciousness with molecular level of study. The molecular basis is then examined from the macromolecular to the submolecular. Next, the molecular basis of abnormal consciousness using human disease provides insights--not done in any conventional books--and finally the last section breaks down consciousness into pieces and examines each at a molecular level.

Table of Contents

Part A - An Introduction to Consciousness. Introductory Comments.Chapter 1: The Nature of Consciousness.1.1 Consciousness: A Definition.1.2 Theories of Consciousness.1.3 Function of Consciousness.Chapter 2: The Study of Consciousness.2.1 Is Consciousness an Irreducible Emergent Property'.2.2 Can Consciousness Be Studied by a Reductionist Molecular Approach'.Part B - The Molecular Basis of Normal Consciousness. Introductory Comments.Chapter 3: The Macromolecular Basis of Consciousness.3.1 Overview.3.2 Neurochemistry of Brain Regions Involved in Consciousness.3.2.1 Neurochemistry of the Brain Stem.3.2.2 Neurochemistry of the Cerebral Cortex.3.3 Neurochemistry of the Neuronal Membrane.3.4 Neurochemistry of Transmembrane Proteins.3.4.1 Structure of the GABA-A Protein.3.4.2 Structure of the NMDA Receptor and other Proteins.Chapter 4: The Molecular Basis of Consciousness.4.1 Overview.4.2 Neurotransmitters of the Brainstem and Cortex.4.3 Ethanol as a Molecular Probe in the Study of Consciousness.4.4 General Anaesthetics as Molecular Probes in the Study of Consciousness.Chapter 5: The Submolecular Basis of Consciousness.5.1 Overview.5.2 Bioelectricity and Consciousness.5.2.1 Molecular Basis of Brain Waves.5.2.2 Molecules, Electroencephalography and Coma.5.3 Quantum Mechanics and Consciousness.5.3.1 Copenhagen Interpretation.5.3.2 Schroedinger's Cat Paradox.5.4 Information Theory and Consciousness.5.4.1 Classical vs. Quantum Information.5.4.2 Consciousness as an Information State.Part C: Molecular Basis of Altered Consciousness. Introductory Comments.Chapter 6: Experiments of Nature.6.1 Overview.6.2 Disorders of Core Consciousness.6.2.1 The Molecular Basis of Epilepsy: A Disorder of Core Consciousness.6.2.2 The Molecular Basis of Stroke: A Disorder of Core Consciousness.6.3 Disorders of Extended Consciousness.6.3.1 The Molecular Basis of Dementia: A Disorder of Extended Consciousness.6.3.2 The Molecular Basis of Psychosis: A Disorder of Extended Consciousness.Chapter 7: Drug-Induced Disorders of Consciousness.7.1 CNS Stimulants.7.2 CNS Depressants.7.3 Narcotics.7.4 Antidepressants.7.5 Antipsychotics.7.6 Psychedelics.Part D: Molecular Basis of the Components of Consciousness. Introductory Comments.Chapter 8: Molecular Basis of Sensation.Chapter 9: Molecular Basis of Memory, Thought and Emotion.Chapter 10: Molecular Basis of Movement.Bibliography.Index