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  • The Ego Tunnel

  • The Science of the Mind and the Myth of the Self
  • Written by: Thomas Metzinger
  • Narrated by: Kevin Pariseau
  • Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (19 ratings)

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The Ego Tunnel

Written by: Thomas Metzinger
Narrated by: Kevin Pariseau
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Publisher's Summary

We're used to thinking about the self as an independent entity, something that we either have or are. In The Ego Tunnel, philosopher Thomas Metzinger claims otherwise: No such thing as a self exists. The conscious self is the content of a model created by our brain - an internal image, but one we cannot experience as an image. Everything we experience is "a virtual self in a virtual reality".

But if the self is not "real," why and how did it evolve? How does the brain construct it? Do we still have souls, free will, personal autonomy, or moral accountability?

In a time when the science of cognition is becoming as controversial as evolution, The Ego Tunnel provides a stunningly original take on the mystery of the mind.

©2009 Thomas Metzinger (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

What the critics say

"Metzinger's intended audience is the lay reader, and he does a superb job of presenting his theory and introducing philosophical issues related to consciousness." ( Library Journal)
"Groundbreaking. This sophisticated understanding of the brain as an ego machine accounts remarkably well for the lived experience of being someone, a someone who transforms a bombardment of stimuli into a seamless present while still engaging in off-line planning for the future and reflection on the past." ( Booklist)

What listeners say about The Ego Tunnel

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Wonderous and Sad

All this new brain science is giving us an opportunity to stop our destructive and divisive behaviour. After completing SAPIENS, I have thoroughly enjoyed this new look at brain and ego functions. I love how open Metzinger is to alternate states of consciousness and how he encourages us to pursue them, despite laws to the contrary. As an analytic philosopher, he reaches into the caverns of thought, to pull out whatever shred of dignity our species has left. He addresses the ethical concerns, from which he and his neuroscience colleagues have benefited, advancing careers and gaining status. The concern is mostly for our own destruction through AI's, however, he also addresses our treatment and use of primates and other sentient beings, who, I perceive, as mere fodder for our advancement, instead of our fellow beings. Whenever I read books that are founded on this research, I am struck by how unnecessary it was for us to cause all that suffering. Almost every book I read in this vein, returns to what we knew 3000 years ago from Buddhist mindfulness practices. As Edward Albee wrote in THE ZOO STORY, sometimes it takes going a very long distance out of your way, to come back a very short distance. I truly mourn for our cruelty to ourselves, but mostly for that towards our fellow creatures in research labs. Buddhists have known all this brain science without sacrificing the lives we have. In the end, I have to say, better now than never, for us to foment a Cognitive Ethical Revolution, and stop contributing to suffering.

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3 people found this helpful

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Fascinating

A consciousness tour de force. The author’s ability to navigate both the science and philosophy of consciousness makes this book uniquely engaging and relevant.

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thought provoking

wasn't prepared for the OBE or lucid dreaming bits, but he managed to spare us the superstition and bolster his arguments. his ego tunnel analogy works pretty good, too. makes one wonder what the human experience would look like if were to accept the author's truths. give the book a shot, it won't disappoint. plus, if you're a member, you can return it if it doesn't jive with you.

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amazing book about the reality of yourself

I love getting my mind blown by books like this. highly recommend to anyone who likes to expand their mind

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Ego tunnel in action

Good science, some sharp observation, and a bunch of opinions from his own ego tunnel.

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