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Shadows of the Mind: A Search for the Missing Science of Consciousness,New
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A New York Times bestseller when it appeared in 1989, Roger Penrose's The Emperor's New Mind was universally hailed as a marvelous survey of modern physics as well as a brilliant reflection on the human mind, offering a new perspective on the scientific landscape and a visionary glimpse of the possible future of science. Now, in Shadows of the Mind, Penrose offers another exhilarating look at modern science as he mounts an even more powerful attack on artificial intelligence. But perhaps more important, in this volume he points the way to a new science, one that may eventually explain the physical basis of the human mind.Penrose contends that some aspects of the human mind lie beyond computation. This is not a religious argument (that the mind is something other than physical) nor is it based on the brain's vast complexity (the weather is immensely complex, says Penrose, but it is still a computable thing, at least in theory). Instead, he provides powerful arguments to support his conclusion that there is something in the conscious activity of the brain that transcends computationand will find no explanation in terms of presentday science. To illuminate what he believes this 'something' might be, and to suggest where a new physics must proceed so that we may understand it, Penrose cuts a wide swathe through modern science, providing penetrating looks at everything from Turing computability and Godel's incompleteness, via Schrodinger's Cat and the ElitzurVaidman bombtesting problem, to detailed microbiology. Of particular interest is Penrose's extensive examination of quantum mechanics, which introduces some new ideas that differ markedly from those advanced in The Emperor's New Mind, especially concerning the mysterious interface where classical and quantum physics meet. But perhaps the most interesting wrinkle in Shadows of the Mind is Penrose's excursion into microbiology, where he examines cytoskeletons and microtubules, minute substructures lying deep within the brain's neurons. (He argues that microtubulesnot neuronsmay indeed be the basic units of the brain, which, if nothing else, would dramatically increase the brain's computational power.) Furthermore, he contends that in consciousness some kind of global quantum state must take place across large areas of the brain, and that it within microtubules that these collective quantum effects are most likely to reside.For physics to accommodate something that is as foreign to our current physical picture as is the phenomenon of consciousness, we must expect a profound changeone that alters the very underpinnings of our philosophical viewpoint as to the nature of reality. Shadows of the Mind provides an illuminating look at where these profound changes may take place and what our future understanding of the world may be.
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- Q: How many pages are in 'Shadows of the Mind'? A: The book contains four hundred seventy-four pages. This length allows for an in-depth exploration of complex topics related to consciousness and artificial intelligence.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is a hardcover edition. Hardcover bindings are known for their durability and ability to withstand frequent handling.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Shadows of the Mind'? A: The dimensions are six point two inches in length, one point five inches in width, and nine point four one inches in height. These dimensions make it a manageable size for reading.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Shadows of the Mind'? A: The author is Roger Penrose. He is a renowned physicist known for his work in mathematical physics and cosmology.
- Q: What genre does 'Shadows of the Mind' belong to? A: The book falls under the genre of AI and machine learning. It discusses profound scientific concepts related to consciousness.
- Q: Is 'Shadows of the Mind' suitable for beginners in AI? A: Yes, it is accessible to those new to the subject. Penrose presents complex ideas in a way that encourages readers to engage with advanced topics.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes such as consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the intersection of physics and biology. These themes challenge conventional scientific viewpoints.
- Q: How does Penrose address artificial intelligence in the book? A: Penrose critiques the current understanding of artificial intelligence. He argues that certain aspects of consciousness transcend computation and are not easily explained by AI.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for young readers? A: No, it is not specifically written for young readers. The content is complex and intended for an adult audience interested in science and philosophy.
- Q: What is the recommended reading level for 'Shadows of the Mind'? A: The recommended reading level is adult or advanced high school. It requires a foundational understanding of physics and philosophy.
- Q: How should I store 'Shadows of the Mind' to keep it in good condition? A: Store it upright on a bookshelf in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight to prevent damage to the cover and pages.
- Q: What if my copy of the book arrives damaged? A: If it arrives damaged, contact the seller for return options. Most sellers offer a return or exchange policy for damaged items.
- Q: Does this book require special care for cleaning? A: No special cleaning is required. Regular dusting with a soft cloth will keep the book in good condition.
- Q: Can I read 'Shadows of the Mind' if I have no prior knowledge of physics? A: Yes, you can still read it. While prior knowledge is helpful, Penrose explains concepts clearly for a general audience.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: Typically, books do not come with a warranty. However, check with the retailer for their specific return policy.
- Q: Are there any critical reviews of 'Shadows of the Mind'? A: Yes, many reviews discuss its thought-provoking arguments and critiques of artificial intelligence. Readers often note its challenging yet rewarding content.