This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. A History Of The Mind

   Evolution and the Birth of Consciousness

   

   "A History of the Mind" explores the evolution and nature of consciousness, examining how subjective experiences, or qualia, arise from physical processes in the brain. The book delves into philosophical, psychological, and evolutionary aspects to argue that sensations and feelings have played a crucial role in the development of human and animal life. By tracing the origins and significance of consciousness, the author provides insights into how our minds interpret and engage with the world, ultimately suggesting that the phenomenon of consciousness has not only been a survival advantage but has also enriched the quality of life across evolutionary time scales.

2. 2. The Mind Made Flesh

   Essays from the Frontiers of Psychology and Evolution

   

   This thought-provoking exploration delves into the intricate relationship between consciousness and the physical body, challenging traditional notions of the mind-body dualism. Through a series of essays, it examines how our mental experiences are deeply intertwined with our biological makeup, suggesting that consciousness is not merely a byproduct of the brain but an integral part of our evolutionary development. The work invites readers to reconsider the nature of self-awareness and the profound implications it holds for understanding human identity and the essence of being.

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3. 3. Sentience

   The Invention of Consciousness

   

   In this thought-provoking exploration of consciousness, the author delves into the intricate relationship between the mind and the world, examining how subjective experiences shape our understanding of reality. The narrative weaves through philosophical inquiries, scientific insights, and personal reflections, offering a compelling argument for the evolutionary significance of sentience. By unraveling the mysteries of perception and awareness, the book challenges readers to reconsider the essence of what it means to be conscious, ultimately suggesting that our inner experiences are not just passive reflections but active contributors to our survival and identity.

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4. 4. Seeing Red

   A Study in Consciousness

   

   Using the vivid experience of redness as a guide, this work proposes that consciousness is an evolved performance the brain stages for itself, transforming neural activity into seemingly ineffable qualia. It explores how recurrent neural loops ‘thicken’ the present to give sensations a compelling sense of presence and intrinsic value, why this has adaptive benefits for agency and social life, and what these insights mean for the hard problem, free will, and the nature of the self.

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5. 5. Soul Dust

   The Magic of Consciousness

   

   This work argues that subjective experience is an evolved “magic show” the brain stages for itself, imbuing sensations with vivid qualia and a glow of selfhood that makes life feel uniquely meaningful. Framing consciousness as an adaptive enchantment rather than a byproduct, it proposes that this privately felt richness enhances survival by boosting motivation, self-worth, and social engagement. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and case studies, it explores why we feel like immaterial selves, how phenomena like near-death and mystical experiences arise, and how art and religion tap into the same phenomenal allure.

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