Unit information: Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind in 2010/11

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Unit name Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind
Unit code PHIL10021
Credit points 20
Level of study C/4
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Dr. Montague
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None
School/department Department of Philosophy
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

What is the correct metaphysical account of the mind? In characterising the mind do we need to appeal to something non-physical? What is physicalism? Does the mind function like a computer? Can the taste of pineapple be reduced to a physical state? How does the mind represent the world? The aim of this course is to discuss major themes in contemporary philosophy of mind meant to address these questions.

Aims:

The aim of this course is to address a group of closely related questions: Is the mind identical to the brain? What are phenomenal properties? Are they reducible to the entities postulated by current science? How does the mind represent the world?

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end this module students will be able to give an overview of: [1] the mind/ brain identity thesis; [2] functionalist theories of the mind; [3] phenomenal consciousness; and [4] theories of intentionality

Teaching Information

Lectures and seminars

Assessment Information

Closed 3 hour exam

Reading and References

  • D. Chalmers, Philosophy of Mind: classical and contemporary readings (OUP 2002)
  • Braddon-Mitchell and Jackson, Philosophy of Mind and Cognition, 2nd ed (Blackwell 2007)
  • Clark, Mindware (OUP 2001)
  • J. Searle, Intentionality (CUP 1983)
  • The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Mind (OUP 2009)

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