
Natural Intelligence and the Logic of Consciousness
Antonio Damasio(Author)
Robinson (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 17. September 2026
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-1-4721-4950-3 (ISBN)
Description
A masterful synthesis of neuroscience, philosophy and evolutionary biology, this book transforms how we understand what it means to be conscious, alive and human.
The age-old mystery of consciousness - our capacity to experience our own existence and have a sense of ourselves - remains unsolved despite the extensive efforts of neurobiologists and philosophers. What if the secret to consciousness lies not in abstract thought, but in the very feelings that pulse beneath our awareness?
In this groundbreaking work, renowned neuroscientist Antonio Damasio overturns centuries of thinking about consciousness by demonstrating how it emerges not from the highest functions of the brain but from the humble functions of the nervous system. Damasio shares his cutting-edge research on human neurology and psychology, and explains how brain, mind and body come together to generate consciousness.
He explores the profound implications for understanding human creativity, morality and culture - and confronts the existential questions raised by the extraordinary new capabilities of artificial intelligence, in an impassioned defence of human consciousness as a unique force which must be understood and valued if we are to progress as a society.
The age-old mystery of consciousness - our capacity to experience our own existence and have a sense of ourselves - remains unsolved despite the extensive efforts of neurobiologists and philosophers. What if the secret to consciousness lies not in abstract thought, but in the very feelings that pulse beneath our awareness?
In this groundbreaking work, renowned neuroscientist Antonio Damasio overturns centuries of thinking about consciousness by demonstrating how it emerges not from the highest functions of the brain but from the humble functions of the nervous system. Damasio shares his cutting-edge research on human neurology and psychology, and explains how brain, mind and body come together to generate consciousness.
He explores the profound implications for understanding human creativity, morality and culture - and confronts the existential questions raised by the extraordinary new capabilities of artificial intelligence, in an impassioned defence of human consciousness as a unique force which must be understood and valued if we are to progress as a society.
Reviews / Votes
Ambitious and intriguing * Publishers Weekly *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Little, Brown Book Group
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Trade binding
Illustrations
10 integrated b/w illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-4721-4950-3 (9781472149503)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Antonio Damasio
Natural Intelligence and the Logic of Consciousness
E-Book
approx. 09/2026
Robinson
€16.99
Not yet available
Person
ANTONIO DAMASIO is David Dornsife Professor of Neuroscience, Psychology and Philosophy, and director of the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Considered one of the most eminent scientists of our time, he has made fundamental contributions to the understanding of brain processes and their relationship to emotions and consciousness. He holds honorary doctorates from several top universities, and is a member of some of the world's most prestigious scientific academies. He has received numerous awards and has discussed his research in books such as Descartes' Error, The Sensation of What Happens, Looking for Spinoza, And the Brain Created Man and The Strange Order of Things.