While not a book but a lecture series, it discusses the origins, nature, workings and malfunctioning of the human mind from a broad variety of perspectives.
The topics range from historical-philosophical ones (e.g. mind-body dualism historically and today; substance dualism and property dualism) to developmental mechanisms such as infant attachment to how genes, together with the environment, influence the development of the mind over the lifespan of an individual.
Was it good?
The lecture series is highly enjoyable. The topics covered are very broad, the lecturer is both an obvious expert in the subject matter as well as an accomplished teacher, and the arrangement of how the series proceeds is well thought of.
Actually, the topics may be even a bit too varied - from mind-body dualism to genetics - to enable deeper understanding and appreciation. But nonetheless, the lecture series constitutes an excellent springboard to a broad variety of topics to be studied in depth subsequently.
The main take-away for me?
Actually, the main take-away for me perhaps was a realization that there is quite much that is not known with respect to the human mind. For example, it is quite far from understood (at least so that there would be any kind of a consensus) as to what the human mind is, or what brings about / causes / makes /constitutes ... the human mind in the first place.
Who should read the book?
As is the case with most of the lecture series by The Teaching Company, the lecture series is intended for quite a broad audience. Perhaps a basic underlying interest in psychology and/or philosophy - or better yet, the philosophy of the mind - makes the lectures an even more enjoyable experience.
The book on Amazon.com: Origins of the Human Mind
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