The Consciousness Instinct: Unraveling the Mystery of How the Brain Makes the Mind

“Consciousness as an Instinct” is a captivating book written in an accessible language, presenting the ideas of a scientist working at the forefront of neuroscience.

Michael Gazzaniga, one of the world leaders in cognitive neuroscience, refutes binary theories of consciousness. He argues that consciousness is formed in the brain using local modules. This idea is supported by recent scientific data and echoes philosophical ideas that have existed for centuries.

In this book, the author tells the story of how human beings have understood consciousness and explains how, as a result of 50 years of research, he developed a revolutionary theory of consciousness. By investigating different types of brain injuries and diseases, Gazzaniga concludes that consciousness does not arise in a single part of the brain—it is born through a network of “modules.”

Presenting everything in a simple, accessible way, Gazzaniga easily draws readers into one of the most fascinating conversations taking place in modern science.