Tom Oliver Books
Tom Oliver is a British biologist and professor of ecology at the University of Reading. His research focuses on biodiversity, ecosystems, and the interconnections between humans and nature.
Known for: The Self Delusion: The Surprising Science of How We Are Connected and Why That Matters
Books by Tom Oliver
The Self Delusion: The Surprising Science of How We Are Connected and Why That Matters
In this thought-provoking work, biologist Tom Oliver challenges the traditional notion of the self as an independent entity. Drawing on research from genetics, neuroscience, and psychology, he argues that our sense of individuality is an illusion—our minds, bodies, and behaviors are deeply interconnected with the world around us. The book explores how this understanding can reshape our approach to society, the environment, and personal well-being.
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The Biological Basis of Connection
As a biologist, I start where our sense of separation falters most obviously: in the fabric of life. Every human body is less an individual and more an ecosystem. Half of the cells within us do not carry human DNA but belong to bacteria, fungi, and archaea. These organisms digest our food, train our...
From The Self Delusion: The Surprising Science of How We Are Connected and Why That Matters
Neuroscience of the Self
Turning to the brain, the supposed seat of the self, we find more evidence that individuality is a construction. Neuroscience tells us there is no single location where ‘you’ reside. Our sense of continuity—the feeling of being a consistent subject—is produced by distributed processes spread across ...
From The Self Delusion: The Surprising Science of How We Are Connected and Why That Matters
About Tom Oliver
Tom Oliver is a British biologist and professor of ecology at the University of Reading. His research focuses on biodiversity, ecosystems, and the interconnections between humans and nature. He is also a science communicator and advisor on environmental policy.
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Tom Oliver is a British biologist and professor of ecology at the University of Reading. His research focuses on biodiversity, ecosystems, and the interconnections between humans and nature.
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