author : Lawrence Weiskrantz

cover blurb:

Damage to a particular area of the brain---the neocortex---is generally understood to result in blindness. Studies of some patients who have suffered from this form of blindness have nevertheless revealed that they can in fact discriminate certain types of visual events within their 'blind' fields without, however, being aware that they can do so: they think they are only 'guessing'. This phenomenon has been termed 'blindsight' by Professor Weiskrantz and his collaborators, who were among the first to describe it. It has attracted considerable interest among neuroscientists, psychologists, and philosophers, who see possible implications for theories of perception and for consciousness.

This now classic book gives an account of research over a number of years into a particular case of blindsight, together with a discussion of the historical and neurological background, a review of other cases reported by other investigators, and a number of theoretical and practical issues and implications. All neuroscientists and psychologists with an interest in the phenomenon will welcome this reissued version, which includes a new introduction summarizing some of the advances that have taken place in the field since the book was first published in 1986.