Reviews of Books About Consciousness and Propaganda

1. The illusion of conscious will, by Daniel M. Wegner:

This is the best book I have read on consciousness. I was joyed to have read a book written in such a secure and down to earth tone. That being said, this book may not persuade all lay readers. Therefore, I cannot recommend for this book to go to the pop-psychology shelves. It is more academic in its approach and is probably more suited for universities or educated individuals. If a general reader wishes to read it he may do so as well.

Really, the argument against this book is built on different definitions. For example a tree sways back in forth in the wind due to the forces of nature. The job of scientists is to tabulate and record these events. It is not the job of scientists to create religions, attach moral codes, or construct cultures to attach to these forces of nature.

Likewise, the human brain and its actions are subject to these forces of nature on a sub-atomic level. The manifestation of these natural interactions is the feeling of consciousness, certain behaviors, and culture. Inventing religions or ethical codes does not erase the fact that such behaviors are an outcome of these natural forces.

Once the reader understands this he can enjoy the studies that Wegner presents to give additional evidence to the books title.

2. Age of propaganda: The everyday use and abuse of persuasion, by Anthony Pratkanis and Elliot Aronson:

Everyone has their own political and philosophical beliefs. The vast majority of us inject these feelings into our conversations and behaviors no matter how objective we try to present ourselves as. This is especially true if we were to take upon ourselves the act of writing a book about propaganda. Granted, the authors do have a leftist axe to grind that is clearly present in the tone of the book. This isn't necessarily bad if the reader recognizes this and faces up the this fact. Likewise the reader should also face up the the fact if the ideological bent is right wing.