Sensing Qualia. Solving the Hard Problem of Consciousness

Authors:

Paul G. Skokowski

• ISBN: 9780226846064
• Published: 2026
• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Description:

Sensing Qualia: Solving the Hard Problem of Consciousness presents a new naturalistic theory of consciousness and sensory experience. Philosophers of mind and neuroscientists often debate what they call the hard problem of consciousness, that is, how we might account for qualia—our subjective experiences of phenomena like color, taste, pain, smell, and more.

In this book, Paul G. Skokowski surveys influential theories of mind since Descartes in order to establish a new theory he calls sensory naturalism, which recognizes the senses as natural detectors of physical properties in the world. Drawing on neuroscience, physics, and philosophy, Skokowski provides a naturalistic framework for studying qualia in the physical world and explores the limits of qualia in androids and AI.

Key Features:

A new naturalistic theory of consciousness, a clear treatment of qualia and subjective experience, an interdisciplinary approach combining neuroscience, physics, and philosophy, analysis of classic and contemporary theories of mind, and discussion of androids and AI in relation to conscious experience.

Coverage:

The hard problem of consciousness, qualia, sensory experience, the history of theories of mind, major challenges to materialism, integrated information theory, sensory naturalism, perception, detection, time, androids, zombies, and artificial intelligence.

About the Authors

Paul G. Skokowski is a scholar working at the intersection of philosophy of mind, neuroscience, and consciousness studies. In this work, he brings together major philosophical debates and scientific perspectives to develop an original account of qualia and sensory experience.

Table of Contents

Section I: A Brief History of the Mind (Dualism, Epiphenomenalism, Behaviorism, Identity Theory, Eliminative Materialism, Functionalism); Section II: Three Challenges to Materialism (Nagel, Kripke, Jackson); Section III: Two Theories of Qualia (Integrated Information Theory, Sensory Naturalism); Section IV: Qualia, Detection, and Time; Section V: Fantastic Beasts (Swampman, Zombies, Androids).

Why buy this book?

This book is an excellent choice for readers seeking a rigorous and original exploration of consciousness. It combines philosophy and neuroscience in a highly accessible way, making it valuable for academic libraries, researchers, and readers interested in the nature of mind, perception, and AI.

Keywords:

consciousness, qualia, hard problem of consciousness, philosophy of mind, neuroscience, sensory experience, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, integrated information theory, sensory naturalism

Target Audience:

philosophers of mind, neuroscientists, cognitive scientists, AI researchers, psychology scholars, university students, academic libraries, researchers in consciousness studies

Genre:

Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Science, Artificial Intelligence

Q&A

Does the price include shipping?
Yes — the price includes worldwide shipping. Card/PayPal accepted, simple secure checkout.

Is this a current title?
Yes, published 2026 by University of Chicago Press.

Who is this book written for?
Philosophers of mind, neuroscientists, cognitive scientists and AI researchers exploring consciousness.

What theory does the book propose?
Sensory naturalism, which treats the senses as natural detectors of physical properties, offering a new account of qualia.

Is it suitable for academic libraries and institutional orders?
Yes, institutional invoicing is available and CLNZ Books ships to academic libraries and universities worldwide.

Where can I buy Sensing Qualia: Solving the Hard Problem of Consciousness?
You can order this title directly from CLNZ Books at clnzbooks.com.

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