Capire come il cervello produce la coscienza è una delle grandi sfide delle neuroscienze, della biologia e della filosofia contemporanee, un territorio ancora inesplorato e apparentemente impenetrabile. Dall'Inghilterra arriva oggi il libro-manifesto che porta per la prima volta all'attenzione del grande pubblico una tesi che da anni circola nella comunità scientifica e filosofica: la scienza non sarà in grado di integrare la coscienza nel proprio quadro teorico fin quando non si lascerà alle spalle quello che Philip Goff chiama provocatoriamente l'errore di Galileo, «consistito nel volerci convincere ad adottare una teoria della natura che riteneva la coscienza un fatto essenzialmente e inevitabilmente misterioso». Come superare allora il rigido dualismo del fisico pisano, che vede gli oggetti fisici da una parte, con le loro proprietà matematiche misurabili, e le menti incorporee dotate di coscienza dall'altra? Un punto di svolta, sostiene il filosofo della Durham University, è cambiare approccio: forse la coscienza non è un 'qualcosa' di indefinito prodotto dal cervello dell'uomo, bensì una qualità inerente a tutta la materia. Prefazione di Emanuele Coccia.

Light Show explores the experiential and sculptural nature of light, tracing a historical trajectory of artwork that uses light to create specific conditions of viewership. The book, which accompanies an exhibition originating at the Hayward Gallery, London, showcases more than twenty dramatic installations and sculptures from the 1960s to the present, pictured in 150 illustrations, most in color. These include works by artists associated with historical movements such as the 'Light and Space' movement of the 1970s; rarely seen installations by such precursors as Dan Flavin and Carlos Cruz-Diez; and work by contemporary artists who have found new ways to use light as a sculptural medium. All of the artworks explore different aspects related to light, including color, duration, movement, sunlight, and moonlight. Some, including Dan Flavin's work made from fluorescent tubes, use light to dematerialize space while others, such as Anthony McCall's 'solid light' projections, give light an almost tangible quality. Many light works create immersive experiences, including Olafur Eliasson's atmospheric environments; still others use light as a medium for political response, including Jenny Holzer's LED signs that broadcast censored documents from the 'war on terror.' Light Show features essays by the curator and editor Cliff Lauson, the art historian Anne Wagner, and the science writer Philip Ball, who traces the rich history of light as a medium, from phenomenon to artwork.

`Informative, accessible, and fun to read --- this is an excellent reference guide for undergraduates and anyone wanting an introduction to the fundamental issues of metaphysics. I know of no other resource like it'. Meghan Griffith, Davidson College, USA

`Marvellous! This book provides the very best place to start for students wanting to take the first step into understanding metaphysics. Undergraduates would do well to buy it and consult it regularly. The quality and clarity of the material are consistently high'. Chris Daly, University of Manchester, UK

Ever wondered about Gunk, Brains in a Vat or Frankfurt's Nefarious Neurosurgeon?

With complete explanations of these terms and more, Metaphysics: The Key Concepts is an accessible and engaging introduction to the most widely studied and challenging concepts in metaphysics.

Arranged in an easy-to-use A---Z format, each concept is explored and illustrated with engaging and memorable examples, and accompanied by an up-to-date guide to further reading. Fully cross-referenced throughout, this remarkable reference guide is essential reading for students of philosophy and all those interested in the nature of reality.

'A remarkable achievement. This work draws on an impressive array of scholars of American religion to provide in brief and accessible form a series of introductions to key topics in the field, including excellent bibliographies. It should be on the desk of anyone who teaches about religion in America.' Peter W. Williams, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

'These helpful and well-chosen essays supplement existing encyclopedias by focusing upon how the study of religion in America itself has changed. Students and scholars alike will appreciate the volumes reflection on defining and studying the field, following it from its origins in `church history' to the present day mix of approaches, strategies, and new topics that characterize American religious histor. In short, the companion tells us how we got from there to here.' Paula Kane, University of Pittsburgh

Over the past two decades, the writing of American religious history has finally blossomed to embrace some of the unique voices and viewpoints that have been ignored for too long. Reflecting this rich diversity of new perspectives, The Blackwell Companion to Religion in America has gathered together dozens of prestigious scholars from across the field's generations.

In a series of thought-provoking original essays, these leading contributors consider a wide range of issues relating to the presentation and explication of religious history in the United States. Topics addressed extend from religion traditions explored range from Baptists and Methodists to Buddhists and Mormons. Each essay maintains an unwavering critical eye to enhance our understanding of how these subjects are discussed at different times during our history. Collectively, this groundbreaking new volume represents the most sustained effort by scholars of American religious history to provide insights into the historiography of religion and its creation within evolving political and social frameworks.

Presented with clarity and eloquence The Blackwell Companion to Religion in America provides scholars and students alike with an inavailable source of information about the diverse religions history of the United States.