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PHL411Arts2 Unitsintermediate

PHILOSOPHY OF MIND

This course introduces students to the fundamental theories, principles, questions, and issues in philosophy of mind. It explores the historical antecedents of the field, including Cartesian philosophy and the mind/body problem. The course examines dualist and monist theories of mind, including behaviorism and materialism. It also delves into the nature of consciousness, artificial intelligence, and the problem of other minds, providing a comprehensive overview of key concepts and debates in the philosophy of mind.

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20.8h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Philosophy of MindDualismMonismConsciousnessArtificial Intelligence

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Mind-Body Problem

2

Dualism

3

Monism

4

Consciousness

5

Artificial Intelligence

6

Epistemology of Mind

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Introduction to Philosophy

Logic

Metaphysics

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

discussion forum presentations

Team-based learning and peer interaction

Group Work

papers

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Philosopher

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Cognitive Scientist

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AI Ethicist

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Researcher

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Analyst

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AcademiaResearch InstitutionsTechnology CompaniesHealthcareGovernment

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1 - THE NATURE OF PHILOSOPHY OF MIND

1.5h

Unit 1: Cartesian Origin of Philosophy of Mind

1.5 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Cartesian Epistemological Project
  • •Analyze Descartes' Method of Doubt
  • •Understand Descartes' Mind/Body Dualism
Week
2

Module 1 - THE NATURE OF PHILOSOPHY OF MIND

1.5h

Unit 2: What is Philosophy of Mind?

1.5 study hours
  • •Define the mind and differentiate it from the brain
  • •Explore the concepts of mindfulness and mindedness
  • •Discuss the relationship between the mind and the brain
Week
3

Module 1 - THE NATURE OF PHILOSOPHY OF MIND

1.5h

Unit 3: Relationship between Philosophy of Mind and other Disciplines

1.5 study hours
  • •Examine the relationship between philosophy of mind and psychology
  • •Explore the connections between philosophy of mind and neurobiology
  • •Understand the link between philosophy of mind and computer science
Week
4

Module 1 - THE NATURE OF PHILOSOPHY OF MIND

1.5h

Unit 4: Key Terminologies in Philosophy of Mind

1.5 study hours
  • •Define materialism, physicalism, and idealism
  • •Understand monism and dualism
  • •Explore behaviorism and functionalism
Week
5

MODULE 2 – DUALIST THEORIES OF MIND

1.5h

Unit 1: Pre-established Harmony

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain Leibniz's concept of pre-established harmony
  • •Analyze the relationship between soul and body
  • •Understand the role of God in Leibniz's theory
Week
6

MODULE 2 – DUALIST THEORIES OF MIND

1.5h

Unit 2: Double Aspect Theory

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain Spinoza's double aspect theory
  • •Understand the relationship between mind and body
  • •Differentiate between substance and mode
Week
7

MODULE 2 – DUALIST THEORIES OF MIND

1.5h

Unit 3: Psycho-physical Parallelism

1.5 study hours
  • •Describe Fechner's psycho-physical parallelism
  • •Understand the relationship between mind and body
  • •Analyze the limitations of the theory
Week
8

MODULE 2 – DUALIST THEORIES OF MIND

1.5h

Unit 4: Occasionalism

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain Malebranche and Geulinex's occasionalism
  • •Understand the role of God in the interaction between mind and body
  • •Analyze the critiques of occasionalism
Week
9

MODULE 2 – DUALIST THEORIES OF MIND

1.5h

Unit 5: Epiphenomenalism

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain Huxley's epiphenomenalism
  • •Understand the causal relationship between mind and body
  • •Analyze the limitations of the theory
Week
10

MODULE 3: MONIST THEORIES OF MIND

1.5h

Unit 1: Behaviourism – Gilbert Ryle

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain Ryle's behaviorism
  • •Critique Cartesian dualism
  • •Understand the concept of category mistake
Week
11

MODULE 3: MONIST THEORIES OF MIND

1.5h

Unit 2: Central State Materialism – D.M. Armstrong

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain central state materialism
  • •Understand the identity thesis and mechanism
  • •Analyze Armstrong's position on central state materialism
Week
12

MODULE 3: MONIST THEORIES OF MIND

1.5h

Unit 3: Central State Materialism - J.J.C. Smart and U.T. Place

1.5 study hours
  • •Discuss Place's idea on central state materialism
  • •Explain Smart's thought on central state materialism
  • •Compare and contrast their views
Week
13

MODULE 4 - Mind and Consciousness

3h

Unit 4: Linguistic Approach – Richard Rorty

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain Rorty's linguistic approach to the mind/body problem
  • •Understand the concept of pseudo-problems
  • •Analyze the critiques of Rorty's approach

Unit 1: Consciousness

1.5 study hours
  • •Define consciousness and its various states
  • •Explore the different types of consciousness
  • •Understand the key theories of consciousness

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking dualist and monist theories

2

Compare and contrast key philosophers' arguments

3

Focus on understanding the mind-body problem

4

Review key terminologies from Module 1

5

Practice essay questions on consciousness and AI

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