The follow-up to the BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week Other MindsA Times and Sunday Times Book of the YearA Waterstones Best Book of 2020The scuba-diving philosopher explores the origins of animal consciousness.Dip below the ocean’s surface and you are soon confronted by forms of life that could not seem more foreign to our own: sea sponges, soft corals and flower-like worms, whose rooted bodies and intricate geometry are more reminiscent of plant life than anything recognisably animal. Yet these creatures are our cousins. As fellow members of the animal kingdom – the Metazoa – they can teach us about the evolutionary origins of not only our bodies, but also our minds.In his acclaimed book, Other Minds, Peter Godfrey-Smith explored the mind of the octopus – the closest thing to an intelligent alien on Earth. In Metazoa, he expands his inquiry to animals at large, investigating the evolution of experience with the assistance of far-flung species. Godfrey-Smith shows that the appearance of the first animal body form well over half a billion years ago was a profound innovation that set life upon a new path. He charts the ways that subsequent evolutionary developments – eyes that track, for example, and bodies that move through and manipulate the environment – shaped the lives of animals. Following the evolutionary paths of a glass sponge, soft coral, banded shrimp, octopus and fish, then moving onto land and the world of insects, birds and primates like ourselves, Metazoa gathers these stories together to bridge the gap between matter and mind and address one of the most important philosophical questions: what is the origin of consciousness?Combining vivid animal encounters with philosophy and biology, Metazoa reveals the impossibility of separating the evolution of our minds from the evolution of animals themselves.
✔ Author(s): Peter Godfrey-Smith
✔ Title: Metazoa: Animal Minds and the Birth of Consciousness
✔ Rating : 4.6 out of 5 base on (222 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 000832123X
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Metazoa by Peter Godfrey-Smith
Cedrica Ingram
Get lost in a fantastical realm where magic and adventure await at every turn. The author's imaginative world-building and captivating narrative draw you in from the start. Engaging characters and thrilling quests make for an exciting read. The plot twists and turns keep you hooked until the very end. It's a book that sparks the imagination and takes you on a wild ride. Perfect for fans of fantasy.
Jaelynn Decker
Explore the complexities of human relationships in this beautifully crafted novel. The author's nuanced writing and rich character development make for an engaging read. Each storyline intertwines seamlessly, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives. The emotional depth and realistic portrayal of life's challenges resonate deeply. It's a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading. Perfect for fans of literary fiction.
Brandace Franklin
Follow the heartwarming journey of a group of friends navigating life's challenges together. The author's empathetic writing and well-developed characters create a deeply emotional experience. Each chapter explores themes of friendship, love, and resilience with sensitivity. The plot's twists and turns keep you engaged throughout. It's a story that celebrates the bonds that connect us. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about friendship and community.
