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The Meaning of Thought

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Markus Gabriel's The Meaning of Thought explores the nature of thinking itself, questioning how thoughts form our perception of the world. Blurring the lines between philosophy and psychology, the book investigates the processes that underpin human cognition. Gabriel argues against simplified notions of thought, suggesting a complex interaction between mind and reality.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by the intersections of mind and reality, exploring how thoughts shape and define human experience. Markus Gabriel delves into complex questions regarding consciousness and existence, making it ideal for those interested in philosophy and psychology. If you enjoy contemplating the nature of thought and its relevance to our understanding of the world, this work could be an intriguing read.

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"Originally published in German as Der Sinn des Denkens Ullstein Buchverlage GmbH, Berlin. Published in 2018 by Ullstein Verlag."

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From populist propaganda attacking knowledge as ‘fake news’ to the latest advances in artificial intelligence, human thought is under unprecedented attack today. If computers can do what humans can do and they can do it much faster, what’s so special about human thought?

In this new book, bestselling philosopher Markus Gabriel steps back from the polemics to re-examine the very nature of human thought. He conceives of human thinking as a ‘sixth sense’, a kind of sense organ that is closely tied to our biological reality as human beings. Our thinking is not a form of data processing but rather the linking together of images and imaginary ideas which we process in different sensory modalities. Our time frame expands far beyond the present moment, as our ideas and beliefs stretch far beyond the here and now. We are living beings and the whole of evolution is built into our life story. In contrast to some of the exaggerated claims made by proponents of AI, Gabriel argues that our thinking is a complex structure and organic process that is not easily replicated and very far from being superseded by computers.

With his usual wit and intellectual verve, Gabriel combines philosophical insight with pop culture to set out a bold defence of the human and a plea for an enlightened humanism for the 21st century. This timely book will be of great value to anyone interested in the nature of human thought and the relations between human beings and machines in an age of rapid technological change.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Meaning of Thought by Markus Gabriel is praised for its engaging and insightful approach to philosophy, resonating with both academic and non-academic audiences. The work is highlighted for introducing a "New Realism," aiming to bridge the gap between thought and our connection to the world. Critics appreciate Gabriel's critique of artificial intelligence and his humanistic perspective, considering the book a crucial guide in understanding the evolving digital landscape.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509538362

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 27 November 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Contributors:

  • Translated by Alex Englander

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 31.0mm

Width: 155.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 590g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Markus Gabriel holds the chair for Epistemology, Modern and Contemporary Philosophy at the University of Bonn and is also the Director of the International Center for Philosophy in Bonn.

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