Module overview
Philosophy of mind explores questions about the nature of the mind and mental states – states such as perceptual experiences, beliefs, desires, and emotions. What is the mind? Is it an immaterial substance? Is it the brain? Is it something like a computer? Might it just be a useful fiction? In considering these questions we will pay particular attention to two central features of the mind: (i) that mental states play a central role in explaining behaviour (for example, my desire for coffee helps explain why I’m heading to the cafeteria); (ii) that some mental states are conscious: there is something it is like to feel pain, taste marmite, or see a sunset. We will study the various ways in which philosophers have tried to give an account of the mind that makes sense of these features.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- work effectively to deadlines.
- contribute to discussion in a critical but dispassionate way.
- debate and criticise ideas and arguments in an even-handed fashion.
- undertake independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources.
- express views clearly and concisely.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the central doctrines of contemporary philosophy of mind
- how to evaluate and compare these doctrines by reference to their capacity to account for key elements in our understanding of the mind, science and nature.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions
- articulate and defend your own views regarding the issues the module concerns.
Syllabus
The syllabus may vary from year to year. Topics may include:
1) Dualism: is the mind an immaterial substance?
2) Behaviourism: is the mind reducible to behaviour?
3) Identity Theory: is the mind the brain?
4) Functionalism: are mental states functional states?
5) Mental Causation: can we make sense of the common-sense notion that mental states cause behaviour?
6) Consciousness: can we make sense of the familiar fact that some mental states are conscious?
7) Externalism about the Mind: what is the relationship between mind and world? Are mental states “in the head”?
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- In class discussion
- One to one consultation with the module coordinator
Learning activities include:
- Attending classes
- Contributing to class discussion
- Preparing for and giving presentations
- Preparing for and taking the exam
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 33 |
| Independent Study | 117 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
I Ravenscroft. Philosophy of Mind: A Beginner’s Guide.
D Chalmers. Philosophy of Mind: Classic and Contemporary Readings.
J. Heil. Philosophy of Mind: A Contemporary Introduction.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Exam Group presentationSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Group presentation | 40% |
| Essay | 60% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External