Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LI The Mind-Body Problem
School	Phil, Theology and Religion
Department	Philosophy
Module Code	08 26762
Module Lead	Dr. Maja Spener
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Seminar-8 hours Guided independent study-172 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module introduces central issues in contemporary philosophy of mind, focusing on the problem of whether our various kinds of experience , especially its subjective character, can be incorporated into the naturalistic, scientific picture of the world. The course will investigate the main philosophical theories of the nature of mind such as dualism, behaviourism, identity theory and functionalism. Along the way we will discuss the (apparent) mystery of consciousness and the assumption that the mind has causal efficacy. The second part of the course will discuss some more specific issues in philosophy of mind and cognitive science: Can the contents of our thoughts and the meaning of some of our terms depend on external factors about which we do not have authoritative knowledge? What are the implications of this suggestion? Does it mean we have first-person access to these meanings and thoughts?
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Show an understanding of some of the central issues in contemporary philosophy of mind, especially the problem of consciousness; critically evaluate relevant philosophical claims and arguments. Demonstrate having an overview of the development of physicalism about the mind
Assessment	26762-01 : 1750 word Essay 1 : Coursework (50%) 26762-02 : 1750 word Essay 2 : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessments: 2 x 1,750 word essays (50% each) Reassessment: as above
Other
Reading List