Philosophy
Philosophy of Mind
Module code: V7078
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework
This module will examine the nature of the mind, incorporating insights from metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of language. This relates to empirical work in the cognitive sciences (i.e., psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, linguistics and robotics).
We'll explore topics including:
- the mind-body relation
- problem of other minds
- creature and machine consciousness
- the nature and causal efficacy of the mental
- self-knowledge
- mental representation
- embodied, embedded, extended, and enactive cognition.
An emphasis will be placed on critical examination of arguments for and against competing accounts of the mind. You'll have the opportunity to examine and develop your own positions on these issues.
Module learning outcomes
- Present a coherent and detailed understanding of key issues in the philosophy of mind.
- Analyse key arguments in important texts in the philosophy of mind.
- Analyse key concepts in the topic, such as 'mind', 'representation' and 'thought'.
- Present and defend some independent views with regard to the issues.