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Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness
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Philosopher Peter GodfreySmith dons a wet suit and journeys into the depths of consciousness in Other MindsAlthough mammals and birds are widely regarded as the smartest creatures on earth, it has lately become clear that a very distant branch of the tree of life has also sprouted higher intelligence: the cephalopods, consisting of the squid, the cuttlefish, and above all the octopus. In captivity, octopuses have been known to identify individual human keepers, raid neighboring tanks for food, turn off lightbulbs by spouting jets of water, plug drains, and make daring escapes. How is it that a creature with such gifts evolved through an evolutionary lineage so radically distant from our own? What does it mean that evolution built minds not once but at least twice? The octopus is the closest we will come to meeting an intelligent alien. What can we learn from the encounter?In Other Minds, Peter GodfreySmith, a distinguished philosopher of science and a skilled scuba diver, tells a bold new story of how subjective experience crept into beinghow nature became aware of itself. As GodfreySmith stresses, it is a story that largely occurs in the ocean, where animals first appeared. Tracking the mind?s fitful development, GodfreySmith shows how unruly clumps of seaborne cells began living together and became capable of sensing, acting, and signaling. As these primitive organisms became more entangled with others, they grew more complicated. The first nervous systems evolved, probably in ancient relatives of jellyfish; later on, the cephalopods, which began as inconspicuous mollusks, abandoned their shells and rose above the ocean floor, searching for prey and acquiring the greater intelligence needed to do so. Taking an independent route, mammals and birds later began their own evolutionary journeys.But what kind of intelligence do cephalopods possess? Drawing on the latest scientific research and his own scubadiving adventures, GodfreySmith probes the many mysteries that surround the lineage. How did the octopus, a solitary creature with little social life, become so smart? What is it like to have eight tentacles that are so packed with neurons that they virtually ?think for themselves?? What happens when some octopuses abandon their hermitlike ways and congregate, as they do in a unique location off the coast of Australia?By tracing the question of inner life back to its roots and comparing human beings with our most remarkable animal relatives, GodfreySmith casts crucial new light on the octopus mindand on our own.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has two hundred seventy-two pages. It provides a comprehensive exploration of consciousness from an evolutionary perspective.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it lightweight and portable for easy reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The dimensions are five point five one inches in length, zero point seven one inches in width, and eight point two seven inches in height.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Peter Godfrey-Smith. He is a distinguished philosopher of science known for his insights on consciousness.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the genre of evolutionary psychology. It explores the development of consciousness in various species.
- Q: Is this book suitable for all ages? A: Yes, this book is suitable for adults and older teenagers. The content is intellectually engaging but may not be appropriate for young children.
- Q: How do I read and understand this book? A: You can read this book at your own pace. It is recommended to take notes on key concepts for better understanding.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of consciousness, evolution, and the intelligence of cephalopods, particularly octopuses.
- Q: Can I use this book for educational purposes? A: Yes, this book can be used for educational purposes. It is ideal for courses in philosophy, biology, and psychology.
- Q: What is the recommended way to store this book? A: Store this book upright on a shelf, away from direct sunlight and moisture. This will help preserve its condition.
- Q: Is there any special care needed for this book? A: No special care is needed for this book. Just handle it gently to avoid bending the pages or cover.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you can contact customer support for a return or exchange. Keep the original packaging for easier processing.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, books typically do not come with a warranty. However, you can inquire about return policies with the seller.
- Q: What if I have trouble understanding the content? A: If you have trouble understanding the content, consider discussing it with others or looking for supplementary materials.
- Q: Can I gift this book to someone interested in psychology? A: Yes, this book makes a great gift for anyone interested in psychology and the study of consciousness.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for beginners in philosophy? A: Yes, this book is accessible for beginners in philosophy. It presents complex ideas in an engaging narrative.