Theories of consciousness

This thesis deals with the theories of consciousness and attempts to critically evaluate contribution of each individual theory for further research and development of this phenomenon. Firstly, focus is on a general introduction including consciousness related definitions and terms as well as on abnormal states of consciousness. Next, consciousness is discussed from a historical perspective. The main body of this thesis is dedicated to the theories of consciousness, which are divided into several chapters according to the scientific field through which they are being scrutinized. This division leaves us with anthropogenic, physical, neurobiological, psychological, and philosophical theories. Each chapter introduces the theories of leading representatives of a given scientific field and attempts to critically evaluate them. Closing discussion offers a synthesis of existing knowledge in the consciousness-related problems and indicates further possible research (theoretical as well as practical) questions