Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LI Philosophy of Mind and Language
School	Phil, Theology and Religion
Department	Philosophy
Module Code	08 36102
Module Lead	Module lead: Henry Taylor and Francesco Antilici.
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	The module introduces central issues in contemporary philosophy of mind and language. The most salient problem in the philosophy of mind involves whether (and if so, how) psychological phenomena can be accommodated in a scientific, naturalistic conception of the world. To investigate this, we’ll assess influential accounts of the nature of mind such as dualism, behaviourism, identity theory and functionalism. Along the way we’ll excavate the (apparent) mystery of consciousness itself, and the assumption that psychological phenomena have causal efficacy. Another quintessential question in the philosophy of mind involves intentionality: the propensity of psychological states to represent aspects of the external world. The philosophy of language side of the module will discuss a range of topics from the philosophy of language. These may include: reference, definite descriptions, theories of proper names, metaphor, feminist philosophy of language, paradoxes of language, and various other topics.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the Module, students should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of some of the central issues in contemporary philosophy of mind and language: especially the principal theories in terms of which philosophers have tried to reconcile consciousness within a naturalistic, scientific world view, and and ways in which philosophers have understood language and its role in human life. Evaluate these philosophical theories critically: i.e. understand the salient philosophical arguments for and against them, and the salient relations between them. Construct arguments of their own defending and/or attacking these and/or related theories, to evaluate arguments formulated by others, and to present such arguments clearly in writing.
Assessment	36102-01 : Essay 1 - 1750 Word Essay : Coursework (50%) 36102-02 : Essay 2 - 1750 Word Essay : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Two essays of 1750 words (max) – each 50%. Reassessmet: The same as method of assessment, if failure of a component results in failure of the module
Other
Reading List