This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Jonathan Schooler, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California, Santa Barbara. This wide-ranging conversation examines how mind-wandering can serve as a window into the psychological world of meta-awareness. further topics include the nature of consciousness, mindfulness, creativity, free will, verbal overshadowing and more. 

This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Back to the Future, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter :

I. Meta-Beginnings - Grappling with universal vagueness

II. Getting Precise - Definition and measurements

III. Brain-Wandering? - What’s happening inside 

IV. Creativity - Mind-wandering’s upside

V. Responses - Views from the other side

VI. On the Wild Side - Free will and multiple universes

VII. Outstanding Issues - From the Decline Effect to an encouraging universe

About Ideas Roadshow Conversations: Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.