In Panpsychism in the West, the first comprehensive study of the subject, David Skrbina argues for the importance of panpsychism-the theory that mind exists, in some form, in all living and nonliving things-in consideration of the nature of consciousness and mind. Despite the recent advances in our knowledge of the brain and the increasing intricacy and sophistication of philosophical discussion, the nature of mind remains an enigma. Panpsychism, with its conception of mind as a general phenomenon of nature, uniquely links being and mind. More than a theory of mind, it is a meta-theory-a statement about theories of mind rather than a theory in itself.

Skrbina argues that panpsychism is long overdue for detailed treatment, and with this book he proposes to add impetus to the discussion of panpsychism in serious philosophical inquiries.