5 New Philosophy of Mind Books Defining 2025

Explore 2025’s top Philosophy of Mind books endorsed by Torin Alter, Shaun Gallagher, and Hedda Hassel Mørch with expert insights and fresh perspectives.

Updated on June 24, 2025
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The Philosophy of Mind landscape experienced a notable shift in 2024, setting the stage for groundbreaking discussions that continue to evolve in 2025. With fresh debates on consciousness, cognition, and the mind-body problem, these new explorations are reshaping how we understand mental phenomena and their relation to the physical world.

Leading thinkers like Torin Alter, Shaun Gallagher, and Hedda Hassel Mørch have propelled these conversations forward. Alter’s work on puzzles and paradoxes invites a deeper engagement with foundational challenges, while Gallagher’s focus on embodied cognition highlights the intricate ties between mind and environment. Mørch’s critical examination of non-physicalist theories pushes the boundaries of accepted explanations, reflecting a dynamic, evolving field.

While these books provide the latest insights, if you want content tailored precisely to your background and goals in Philosophy of Mind, consider creating a personalized Philosophy of Mind book. This approach helps you stay ahead by focusing on the specific topics and questions that matter most to you, building on these emerging trends with personalized depth and clarity.

Best for exploring classic mind puzzles
Philosophy of Mind: 50 Puzzles, Paradoxes, and Thought Experiments offers a uniquely organized approach to exploring the field’s challenging questions. By presenting 50 standalone cases across consciousness, physicalism, and identity, this book caters to those eager to engage with the latest and historical puzzles shaping philosophy of mind. Its clear division into thematic sections and detailed discussions provides both accessibility and depth, making it an excellent resource for students and instructors alike who want to navigate the intricate landscape of mind philosophy without getting lost in overly dense theory.
2024·336 pages·Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, Paradoxes, Consciousness, Dualism

Drawing from their extensive expertise in philosophy, Torin Alter, Amy Kind, and Robert J. Howell crafted this collection to illuminate the complex puzzles at the heart of philosophy of mind. You'll explore 50 distinct cases divided into clear sections covering consciousness, physicalism, representation, perception, and personal identity, each unpacked with background, discussion, and references that deepen your grasp of these enduring questions. The structured chapters allow you to engage with each paradox or thought experiment on its own terms, making it ideal whether you're teaching or diving into the field yourself. This book suits anyone eager to sharpen their understanding of mind-related philosophical challenges through well-curated, accessible exploration rather than broad theoretical overviews.

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Best for challenging materialist views
This book stands out in Philosophy of Mind by focusing on the significant minority viewpoint that consciousness cannot be fully explained by physical science. It introduces and critiques non-physicalist theories such as dualism, idealism, and panpsychism, presenting their main arguments and responses to physicalism. The author’s approach offers a fresh lens on contemporary debates, making it a valuable read for those exploring the limits of scientific explanations in understanding conscious experience. Scholars and students eager to deepen their grasp of these emerging philosophical perspectives will find this work particularly insightful.
2024·88 pages·Philosophy of Mind, Consciousness, Dualism, Idealism, Panpsychism

When Hedda Hassel Mørch explores the debate over consciousness, she challenges the dominant physicalist view that consciousness can be fully explained by science. This book lays out the main non-physicalist theories like dualism, idealism, and panpsychism, carefully explaining their arguments and how they respond to scientific critiques. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of why some philosophers find it impossible to reduce subjective experiences—like seeing red or feeling pain—to purely physical terms. If you're interested in the foundational puzzles of Philosophy of Mind and want to engage with the latest arguments beyond materialism, this concise volume offers precisely that.

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Best for targeted concept mastery
This AI-created book on Philosophy of Mind is tailored to your specific interests and goals in exploring the latest developments. By sharing your background and focus areas, you receive a personalized exploration of 2025’s most current breakthroughs and debates. This approach lets you delve deeply into topics that resonate with you, making complex philosophical advances more accessible and engaging. It’s a focused way to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field without wading through unrelated material.
2025·50-300 pages·Philosophy of Mind, Consciousness, Cognition, Mind-Body Problem, Embodied Cognition

This tailored book explores the latest breakthroughs and evolving debates within the Philosophy of Mind as of 2025, focusing on ideas that match your interests and intellectual background. It investigates cutting-edge theories about consciousness, cognition, and the mind-body relationship, providing an accessible yet deeply engaging examination of current philosophical discussions. By concentrating on your specific goals, this personalized work reveals emerging insights and challenges traditional perspectives with fresh, targeted explorations. Whether you’re intrigued by embodied cognition, non-physicalist theories, or computational models, this book offers a focused journey through the field’s newest developments, enhancing your understanding and critical engagement with this dynamic topic.

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Best for AI and cognition insights
Matteo Colombo and Gualtiero Piccinini present a focused examination of the computational theory of mind, placing it squarely within recent philosophical debates. Their book highlights how computational models contribute to solving the mind-body problem and explaining mental phenomena, while also acknowledging the challenges of integrating cognition’s dynamic and situated nature. This work is particularly relevant if you're looking to engage with the latest perspectives on how computation shapes our understanding of mind and consciousness, offering a concise but insightful addition to Philosophy of Mind literature.
The Computational Theory of Mind (Elements in Philosophy of Mind) book cover

by Matteo Colombo, Gualtiero Piccinini·You?

2023·75 pages·Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy, Cognitive Science, Computational Theory, Mind-Body Problem

Drawing from their deep expertise in philosophy and cognitive science, Matteo Colombo and Gualtiero Piccinini explore the mind through the lens of computational theory, presenting it as a system akin to a computer. You’ll find insights into how mental processes can be modeled computationally, addressing long-standing puzzles like the mind-body problem and consciousness. Specific discussions include the challenges of aligning computational models with brain function and situated cognition. This book suits those curious about the intersection of philosophy, artificial intelligence, and cognitive modeling, especially if you want to understand the strengths and limits of viewing thought as computation.

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Best for advanced philosophical debates
Oxford Studies in Philosophy of Mind Volume 3 stands out by gathering leading-edge articles that reflect the latest debates and methodologies shaping the field. This volume's focus on mind and science, sensory experience, and the philosophy of historical figures like Margaret Cavendish provides a nuanced and multifaceted approach. It serves those invested in the evolution of philosophy of mind by spotlighting innovative work from both seasoned and new philosophers, including a dedicated symposium on Papineau's metaphysics of sensory experience. The book’s blend of rigorous scholarship and thematic focus makes it a valuable resource for advancing understanding in this complex domain.
2023·480 pages·Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy, Mind Science, Sensory Experience, Philosophical Debate

Drawing from his extensive background in contemporary philosophy, Uriah Kriegel curates a collection that pushes the boundaries of philosophy of mind with fresh perspectives and rigorous debate. You’ll explore themes like mind and science, sensory experience, and historical philosophical insights from figures like Margaret Cavendish and C.A. Strong, alongside critical discussions including a symposium on David Papineau's work. This volume offers you a deep dive into current controversies and diverse methodologies shaping the field. If you’re eager to engage with both established and emerging voices advancing philosophy of mind, this book delivers a focused, intellectually stimulating experience.

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Best for embodied cognition theories
This book introduces a fresh perspective on philosophy of mind by focusing on the embodied and enactive approaches to cognition. It highlights the latest developments in the field, including the influential 4Es framework, and examines how these ideas intersect with predictive processing and the free energy principle. Designed to clarify complex debates, it provides valuable insights for scholars and students aiming to understand the mind’s relation to the brain, environment, and social context. Its concise format makes it accessible while addressing sophisticated theoretical questions relevant to contemporary philosophy of mind.
2023·90 pages·Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy, Cognition, Embodied Cognition, Enactive Cognition

What happens when a leading philosopher of mind tackles the evolving landscape of cognition? Shaun Gallagher, a prominent figure in cognitive science, explores the 4Es—embodied, embedded, extended, and enactive cognition—in this concise yet insightful volume. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how these contemporary theories challenge traditional cognitivism, including their implications for perceptual experience, mental representation, and social cognition. Gallagher carefully weighs the strengths and criticisms of each approach, with special attention to integrating enactive theory through concepts like predictive processing and the free energy principle. This book suits anyone eager to deepen their grasp of cutting-edge philosophy of mind without wading through unnecessary jargon.

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Best for personalized theory exploration
This AI-created book on Philosophy of Mind is tailored to your specific goals and interests, focusing on the latest developments that are shaping the field in 2025. By sharing your background and which emerging theories intrigue you most, you receive a book that explores exactly what you want to learn. This personalized approach makes sense here because Philosophy of Mind evolves rapidly, and a custom guide helps you engage deeply with new discoveries relevant to your understanding and ambitions.
2025·50-300 pages·Philosophy of Mind, Consciousness, Cognition, Mind-Body Problem, Emerging Theories

This personalized book explores the evolving landscape of Philosophy of Mind with a focus on upcoming theories and discoveries shaping 2025 and beyond. It examines new perspectives on cognition, consciousness, and the mind-body relationship, delving into emerging ideas that challenge traditional views. With tailored content matching your background and interests, it highlights innovative debates and novel research findings to keep you at the forefront of the field. By concentrating on your specific goals, the book reveals how recent shifts might influence philosophical understanding and cognitive science developments. Designed to engage thoughtfully with cutting-edge insights, this tailored guide fosters a deep appreciation for the dynamic nature of mind studies. It encourages critical reflection on future trends and prepares you for meaningful dialogue about the trajectory of philosophical inquiry.

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Conclusion

This collection of Philosophy of Mind books reveals three clear currents shaping the field: a renewed focus on classic puzzles and paradoxes, a critical reexamination of physicalist assumptions, and a growing embrace of embodied and enactive cognition theories. Together, they provide multiple pathways to deepen your understanding and keep pace with evolving debates.

If your goal is to stay ahead of emerging trends and the latest research, starting with Hedda Hassel Mørch’s challenge to materialism and Shaun Gallagher’s work on embodied cognition offers a strong foundation. For engaging with rigorous philosophical debates and broad thematic perspectives, Uriah Kriegel’s Oxford Studies volume and Torin Alter’s puzzle collection are invaluable.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Philosophy of Mind book to apply the newest strategies and research directly to your interests and experience level. These books offer the most current 2025 insights and can help you stay ahead of the curve in this challenging and fascinating field.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Philosophy of Mind: 50 Puzzles, Paradoxes, and Thought Experiments" by Torin Alter and colleagues. It offers accessible cases that introduce core issues, making it a solid entry point before diving into more specialized topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Philosophy of Mind?

Not necessarily. While some volumes like "Oxford Studies in Philosophy of Mind" are more advanced, books such as the puzzle collection by Alter et al. and Gallagher’s work on embodied cognition provide clear, approachable explanations suited to newcomers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational explorations like Alter’s puzzles, then explore competing views with Mørch’s non-physicalist theories. Next, dive into computational models by Colombo and Piccinini, followed by Gallagher’s embodied cognition and finally Kriegel’s Oxford Studies for comprehensive debates.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your interest. For theory and puzzles, choose Alter’s book; for consciousness debates, Mørch’s volume is ideal. But reading multiple perspectives provides a richer grasp of the complex Philosophy of Mind landscape.

How do these new books compare to the established classics?

These books build on classic ideas but focus on recent debates and innovative approaches from 2023–2025, reflecting evolving perspectives and challenges in Philosophy of Mind rather than repeating well-worn arguments.

Can I get Philosophy of Mind insights tailored to my specific interests?

Yes, while these expert books offer deep insights, creating a personalized Philosophy of Mind book ensures content matches your background and goals, keeping you current with targeted, relevant knowledge. Check it out here.

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