Problematizing the “Problem” of Consciousness

Reviews the book, Consciousness and mental life by Daniel N. Robinson (see record 2007-13473-000). Is there a problem of consciousness, in the seemingly irreducible existence of (embodied) mental phenomena? Is there a mind-body problem, in the seeming existence of mental causation--that beliefs and desires can move us to act in and on the world? In this book Robinson offers up a feast of formulations of and attempted solutions to the perceived problem in readily digestible form, with sparkling prose, illuminating examples, and original analysis of the rich fare in each and every course. To be sure, what matters in the final analysis is that Robinson has accomplished his own mission. He has taken us all--beginners and seasoned travelers alike--on a first-class tour of consciousness studies through the ages. Along the way he indeed supplies good reasons to revive "respect for the special nature of mental life" and for a "much maligned 'folk psychology' that even now, amid the MRIs and gene maps, seems to be the one horse running in a direction the rider recognizes" (p. ix). This culmination of his many decades of prolific work in the philosophy of psychology will no doubt incite more debate, but debate enriched by his timely and timeless arguments. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)