Approaches to Consciousness The Marriage of Science and Mysticism [Hardcover]

Consciousness, and the relation between mind and brain, is a topic of contentious debate, and increasing interest amongst both academics and students of psychology. In this text, Lancaster takes a refreshingly balanced look at consciousness, bringing in approaches from neuroscience, cognitive science, depth psychology, philosophy and mysticism. With a distinctive 'transpersonal' orientation, this text will be an invaluable authoritative overview of this subject, integrating scholarship and research from diverse areas.PART ONE: TOWARDS A UNITARY DISCIPLINE OF CONSCIOUSNESS STUDIES?Preface.-?The Big Picture.-?A Common Purpose?.-?PART TWO: APPROACHES TO CONSCIOUSNESS?Spiritual and Mystical.- Approaches: 1. Towards Emptiness.-?Neurophysiological Approaches.-?Cognitive and Neuropsychological Approaches.-?The Approach of Depth Psychology.-?Spiritual and Mystical Approaches: 2. Towards Fullness.-?PART THREE: BEYOND WITHIN?Together Again.-?References.BRIAN L. LANCASTER is Professor of Transpersonal Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University, the first such post in the UK. He is also Deputy Head, Centre for Applied Psychology and Co-Director of the Consciousness and Transpersonal Psychology Research Unit at Liverpool John Moores University. His first book, Mind Brain and Human Potential (Element) won an international award. He has a high profile in the British Psychological Society as Founder Member of both the Section of Conscious and Experimental Psychology and Transpersonal Psychology. He has a considerable international reputation as a leader and innovator in these fields.Author is very wellknown for his contribution to the field
Incorporates the latest research in the science of consciousness
Produces a genuine integration of science and mysticism, rather than attempting to incorporate one into the other