Susan Blackmore

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Susan Blackmore is a British psychologist, author, and lecturer known for her work on consciousness, memetics, and parapsychology. She has contributed significantly to the public understanding of science through her books, talks, and academic research. Blackmore's work spans various disciplines, including psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy of mind, making her a prominent figure in the study of human consciousness and the concept of memes.

Early Life and Education

Susan Jane Blackmore was born on July 29, 1951, in London, England. She pursued her undergraduate studies at St Hilda's College, Oxford, where she earned a degree in psychology and physiology. Her interest in parapsychology led her to obtain a Master's degree from the University of Surrey in environmental psychology, focusing on extrasensory perception (ESP).

Career

Blackmore's early career was marked by her research into parapsychology, particularly the study of out-of-body experiences (OBEs) and near-death experiences (NDEs). However, her inability to find empirical support for paranormal phenomena led her to adopt a more skeptical viewpoint. This shift in perspective was pivotal in her career, steering her towards the study of consciousness and the theory of memes.

One of Blackmore's most influential works is The Meme Machine (1999), where she explores the concept of memes—ideas, behaviors, or styles that spread from person to person within a culture. Building on the work of Richard Dawkins, who coined the term meme, Blackmore argues that memes are akin to genes in their ability to replicate, mutate, and respond to selective pressures.

Contributions to the Study of Consciousness

Blackmore has made significant contributions to the study of consciousness, advocating for a scientific and empirical approach to understanding subjective experiences. She has explored various aspects of consciousness, including the illusion of the self, free will, and the nature of subjective experience. Her work often intersects with philosophy of mind, particularly in discussions about the hard problem of consciousness and the possibility of artificial consciousness.

Public Engagement

Beyond her academic contributions, Blackmore is known for her efforts to engage the public in science and skepticism. She has written extensively for a general audience, with books such as Conversations on Consciousness (2005) and numerous articles in popular media. Blackmore is also a frequent speaker at conferences and public events, where she discusses the implications of her work on understanding human nature and the future of society.

Selected Works

• The Meme Machine (1999)
• Conversations on Consciousness (2005)
• Seeing Myself: The New Science of Out-of-body Experiences (2017)

Personal Life

Susan Blackmore lives in Bristol, England, where she continues her writing, research, and public speaking engagements. Her work remains influential in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, and the study of consciousness.

External Links

Given the constraints, external links cannot be provided.