1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910254673003321

Autore

Grinde Bjørn

Titolo

The Evolution of Consciousness : Implications for Mental Health and Quality of Life / / by Bjørn Grinde

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Cham : , : Springer International Publishing : , : Imprint : Springer, , 2016

ISBN

3-319-43685-6

Edizione

[1st ed. 2016.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (XV, 246 p. 70 illus.)

Disciplina

150.1988

Soggetti

Positive psychology

Evolutionary biology

Quality of life

Neurosciences

Philosophy of mind

Positive Psychology

Evolutionary Biology

Quality of Life Research

Philosophy of Mind

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Nota di contenuto

Introduction -- Chapter 1. A Conscious Life -- Chapter 2. The Brain: Your Personal Necktop Computer -- Chapter 3. The Evolution of Nervous Systems -- Chapter 4. Conscious Brains -- Chapter 5. The Neurobiological Correlate -- Chapter 6. States and Disorders of Consciousness -- Chapter 7. Quality of Life -- Chapter 8. Environmental Concerns -- Chapter 9. Mental Exercise -- Chapter 10. In the Future.

Sommario/riassunto

This book gives the reader an understanding of what consciousness is about, and of how to make conscious experiences more pleasant. It expands on a new theory that describes the evolutionary trajectory leading to conscious life forms. In short, the evidence suggests that consciousness first evolved some 300 million years ago as a consequence of the introduction of feelings. Feelings offer a strategy for making behavioural decisions. Besides playing a crucial role in the



evolution of the human mind, they are a key factor in regard to mental health and quality of life. Fortunately, the human brain is plastic. By exploiting available options for modulating the mind, it is therefore possible to impact on what sort of experiences the brain serves. More specifically, you can strengthen the capacity for positive feelings and reduce the sway of negative feelings. The text covers biological, neurological, psychological, and philosophical aspects of the mind.