Theories of Mind (Philosophy Hons) (U00165)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PPL-3-THMI-PH

What is a mind? How does it relate to a person's brain? How does it relate to their body and to the external world? Are mental states identical to physical states? Can the mental be reduced to the physical? Does thinking require a language-like code? The first half of the course will survey and discuss the most important answers offered to these questions. Students will acquire the necessary conceptual resources to analyze and criticize different theoretical positions concerning each of these issues.
The second part of the course focuses on the two mind-body problems. The first concerns mental causation. We tend to behave in such a way that our desires are fulfilled if our beliefs are true. But how can mental states cause our body to move? The second part concerns consciousness. If our best physical sciences are right, then our world is entirely composed of physical entities and physical properties. But how do we place consciousness in such a world?

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Philosophy 2A (PP0033) or Philosophy 2B (PP0034)

? Costs : None.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Philosophy, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
12/01/2007	14:00	15:50	Room 11.18, David Hume Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Friday	14:00	15:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The coursework involves close and critical analysis of various historical and current views on central issues in theories of mind. Students are asked to read, critically assess and discuss some of the most important texts in these fields. Students are encouraged to develop their skills in individual research through the writing of essays, and to develop their critical, analytic and communication skills through informal discussion and oral presentations in tutorial groups.

Assessment Information

Assessment will be by 2-hour examination in the June diet. Senior Honours students may opt to write a long essay (approximately 5000 words) in lieu of the final exam.