Blindsight

Studies of patients with damage to the neocortex have revealed that some can discriminate certain visual events within their 'blind' fields. This book is an account of research into a particular case 'blindsight'. It also discusses the historical and neurological background, and reviews other cases and issues.

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Damage to a particular area of the brain - the neocortex - is generally understood to result in blindness. Studies of some patients suffering from this form of blindness have nevertheless revealed that they can discriminate certain types of visual events within their 'blind' fields. They are not aware that they can do so, however and think that they are only guessing. This phenomenon has been termed 'blindsight'. The present 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 cases reported by other investigators, and a number of theoretical and practical issues and implications.