{"product_id":"shadows-of-the-mind-roger-penrose-9780195106466","title":"Shadows of the Mind | Roger Penrose","description":"\u003csection class=\"product-description\" style=\"color: #1a1a1a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #2c3e50; font-size: 1.75em; margin-bottom: 15px; border-bottom: 2px solid #2c3e50; padding-bottom: 5px;\"\u003eShadows of the Mind: A Search for the Missing Science of Consciousness\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \n  \u003ch3 style=\"color: #2c3e50; font-size: 1.25em; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eExtended Synopsis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\"\u003eFollowing the universal acclaim of his 1989 New York Times bestseller \u003cem\u003eThe Emperor's New Mind\u003c\/em\u003e, Roger Penrose delivers another exhilarating examination of modern science in \u003cem\u003eShadows of the Mind\u003c\/em\u003e. In this visionary volume, Penrose mounts a rigorous and powerful challenge against the core assumptions of artificial intelligence, pointing the way toward a profoundly new science that may finally explain the physical basis of the human mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\"\u003ePenrose contends that certain aspects of human consciousness lie entirely beyond computational simulation. Grounding his arguments in strict scientific inquiry rather than religious or philosophical detachment, he traverses a vast landscape of modern physics and mathematics—from Alan Turing's computational machines to Gödel's theorem of incompleteness. He introduces radical new ideas regarding the mysterious interface where classical and quantum physics converge, notably exploring microbiology and the role of cytoskeletons and microtubules within the brain's neurons. By arguing that collective quantum effects within these minute substructures are responsible for consciousness, Penrose suggests that accommodating the mind will require a profound change in the very underpinnings of our physical and philosophical understanding of reality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color: #2c3e50; font-size: 1.25em; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eAuthor Biography\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoger Penrose\u003c\/strong\u003e is a world-renowned mathematician, theoretical physicist, and philosopher of science. Celebrated for his groundbreaking work in mathematical physics, particularly regarding general relativity, cosmology, and black holes, he is a Nobel Laureate in Physics. He is widely recognized for his ability to translate the most complex theoretical frameworks of quantum mechanics and cognitive philosophy into accessible, paradigm-shifting literature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color: #2c3e50; font-size: 1.25em; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eReader Targeting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003ePhysicists, mathematicians, and scholars of quantum mechanics exploring the theoretical bounds of the universe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003eCognitive scientists, neurologists, and philosophers investigating the physical origins of human consciousness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003eArtificial intelligence researchers and developers seeking critical perspectives on the limitations of computational models.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 5px;\"\u003eReaders of advanced popular science who enjoyed \u003cem\u003eThe Emperor's New Mind\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color: #2c3e50; font-size: 1.25em; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eAccolades \u0026amp; Critical Acclaim\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul style=\"margin-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 20px; list-style-type: none;\"\u003e\n    \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eDirect follow-up to the New York Times bestselling masterwork, The Emperor's New Mind.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRecognized as a foundational, albeit highly debated, text in the field of quantum mind theory and cognitive physics.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color: #2c3e50; font-size: 1.25em; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eBibliographic \u0026amp; Physical Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 0.95em; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #2c3e50; width: 40%;\"\u003ePublisher\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003eOxford University Press\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #2c3e50;\"\u003ePublication Date\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003eAugust 22, 1996\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #2c3e50;\"\u003eEdition Details\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003eFirst Oxford University Press Trade Paperback Edition \/ First Printing Thus\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #2c3e50;\"\u003eFormat \u0026amp; Binding\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003eTrade Paperback (Perfect bound with premium softcover cardstock wrap and a smooth matte texture layer)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #2c3e50;\"\u003eISBN-13 \/ ISBN-10\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; color: #1a1a1a; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e9780195106466 \/ 0195106466\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #2c3e50;\"\u003ePage Count\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003e480 (Includes mathematical appendices, structural biological diagrams, and index)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #2c3e50;\"\u003eIllustrations\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003eYes (Features precise mathematical formulas, quantum wave-function charts, and neurobiological diagrams)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #2c3e50;\"\u003eDimensions \u0026amp; Weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003e9.50 x 6.25 x 1.00 inches | 23.6 oz (669 grams)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #2c3e50;\"\u003eBISAC Categories\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003eSCIENCE \/ Physics \/ Quantum Theory\u003cbr\u003eCOMPUTERS \/ Artificial Intelligence \/ General\u003cbr\u003ePHILOSOPHY \/ Mind \u0026amp; Body\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #2c3e50;\"\u003eBIC \/ Thema Classifications\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003ePD (Physics)\u003cbr\u003eUB (Information technology: general issues)\u003cbr\u003eHP (Philosophy of mind)\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0;\"\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #2c3e50;\"\u003eLC Classification\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003eQ335 .P417 1994\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n        \u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #2c3e50;\"\u003eDewey Decimal\u003c\/th\u003e\n        \u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003e006.3\u003c\/td\u003e\n      \u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color: #2c3e50; font-size: 1.25em; margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to read \u003cem\u003eThe Emperor's New Mind\u003c\/em\u003e before reading this book?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile \u003cem\u003eShadows of the Mind\u003c\/em\u003e is a direct expansion of the themes presented in \u003cem\u003eThe Emperor's New Mind\u003c\/em\u003e, it is written to be comprehensible as a standalone text. However, readers familiar with Penrose's earlier work will find a deeper appreciation for how his theories on the physics of consciousness have evolved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this book highly technical?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the book contains extensive theoretical physics, deep mathematics, and neurobiology. Penrose does an excellent job explaining his concepts to the diligent layperson, but readers should be prepared to encounter complex wave-function charts, mathematical formulas, and rigorous philosophical logic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n  {\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n      {\n        \"@type\": [\"Book\", \"Product\"],\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/bustdownbooks.com\/products\/shadows-of-the-mind-roger-penrose-9780195106466#book\",\n        \"name\": \"Shadows of the Mind: A Search for the Missing Science of Consciousness\",\n        \"author\": {\n          \"@type\": \"Person\",\n          \"name\": \"Roger Penrose\"\n        },\n        \"isbn\": \"9780195106466\",\n        \"sku\": \"9780195106466\",\n        \"mpn\": \"0195106466\",\n        \"numberOfPages\": \"480\",\n        \"publisher\": {\n          \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n          \"name\": \"Oxford University Press\"\n        },\n        \"datePublished\": \"1996-08-22\",\n        \"bookFormat\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/Paperback\",\n        \"inLanguage\": \"English\",\n        \"description\": \"Roger Penrose explores the profound interface of quantum physics, consciousness, and microbiology to challenge the boundaries of artificial intelligence.\",\n        \"educationalLevel\": \"Professional\/Academic\",\n        \"audience\": {\n          \"@type\": \"EducationalAudience\",\n          \"educationalRole\": \"Academic \/ General Reader\"\n        },\n        \"offers\": {\n          \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n          \"price\": \"15.99\",\n          \"priceCurrency\": \"USD\",\n          \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\n          \"priceValidUntil\": \"2027-12-31\",\n          \"seller\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n            \"name\": \"Bust Down Books\"\n          }\n        },\n        \"about\": [\n          { \"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Quantum Theory\" },\n          { \"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Artificial Intelligence\" },\n          { \"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Philosophy of Mind\" }\n        ]\n      },\n      {\n        \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/bustdownbooks.com\/products\/shadows-of-the-mind-roger-penrose-9780195106466#faq\",\n        \"mainEntity\": [\n          {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Do I need to read The Emperor's New Mind before reading this book?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n              \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n              \"text\": \"While Shadows of the Mind is a direct expansion of the themes presented in The Emperor's New Mind, it is written to be comprehensible as a standalone text. 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