What is the nature of subjectivity, intersubjectivity, and objectivity? And what is the relation of brain studies to individual experience? How can we avoid the mysteries of dualism and the implausibilities of reductionism? How do Eastern and Western conceptions of mind, consciousness, and self differ?

These are the kind of dizzying questions that are asked by those working in consciousness studies. They are foundational for psychological science and now, to meet the need for an authoritative reference work to make sense of the subject’s vast literature and the continuing explosion in interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research output, Routledge announces a new title in its Critical Concepts in Psychology series. Edited by Max Velmans, a leading authority, Consciousness is a new four-volume collection of the canonical and the very best cutting-edge scholarship in the field. It provides a synoptic view of all the key issues and current debates, as well as guidance to likely future developments.

With comprehensive introductions, newly written by the editor, which place the collected materials in their historical and intellectual context, Consciousness is an essential work of reference. It is destined to be valued by psychologists and neuroscientists—as well as those working in related areas of philosophy—as a vital research resource.