PHILOSOPHY OF MIND
- Arts
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 125 pages
- 17 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 20.8 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Logic
- Metaphysics
- Discussion forum presentations
- Papers
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PHL411, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PHL411 · MODULE 4 - Mind and Consciousness
Physicalist are divided into: Functionalist and identity theorists. According to physicalists who are functionalists what the brain does is the mind, the action of the brain is the mind. Identity theorists, however, simply identifies the mind with the brain. So, what are your thoughts on this debate? Is the mind the brain or something different from the brain?
What you should be able to do
- Explain the subject matter of Philosophy of Mind
- Understand the historical antecedents of Philosophy of Mind
- Discuss dualist theories and their proponents
- Analyze monist theories and their proponents
- Articulate the debate around consciousness and artificial intelligence
What it prepares you for
- Philosopher
- Cognitive Scientist
- AI Ethicist
- Researcher
- Analyst
- Academia
- Research Institutions
- Technology Companies
- Healthcare
- Government
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2 – DUALIST THEORIES OF MIND
Unit 4: Occasionalism
Understanding the nuances of occasionalism requires grasping the complex relationship between divine intervention and human agency, which can be conceptually challenging.
- MODULE 3: MONIST THEORIES OF MIND
Unit 4: Linguistic Approach – Richard Rorty
The unit requires understanding of the nuances of language analysis and its implications for traditional philosophical problems, demanding a shift in perspective.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 21 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1 - THE NATURE OF PHILOSOPHY OF MIND
Unit 1: Cartesian Origin of Philosophy of Mind · 1.5 hours
Read Unit 1: Cartesian Epistemological Project. Analyze Descartes' Method of Doubt. Understand Descartes' Mind/Body Dualism.
- Week 2Module 1 - THE NATURE OF PHILOSOPHY OF MIND
Unit 2: What is Philosophy of Mind? · 1.5 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 3Module 1 - THE NATURE OF PHILOSOPHY OF MIND
Unit 3: Relationship between Philosophy of Mind and other Disciplines · 1.5 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 4Module 1 - THE NATURE OF PHILOSOPHY OF MIND
Unit 4: Key Terminologies in Philosophy of Mind · 1.5 hours
Define materialism, physicalism, and idealism. Understand monism and dualism. Explore behaviorism and functionalism.
- Week 5MODULE 2 – DUALIST THEORIES OF MIND
Unit 1: Pre-established Harmony · 1.5 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 6MODULE 2 – DUALIST THEORIES OF MIND
Unit 2: Double Aspect Theory · 1.5 hours
Explain Spinoza's double aspect theory. Understand the relationship between mind and body. Differentiate between substance and mode.
- Week 7MODULE 2 – DUALIST THEORIES OF MIND
Unit 3: Psycho-physical Parallelism · 1.5 hours
Describe Fechner's psycho-physical parallelism. Understand the relationship between mind and body. Analyze the limitations of the theory.
- Week 8MODULE 2 – DUALIST THEORIES OF MIND
Unit 4: Occasionalism · 1.5 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 9MODULE 2 – DUALIST THEORIES OF MIND
Unit 5: Epiphenomenalism · 1.5 hours
Explain Huxley's epiphenomenalism. Understand the causal relationship between mind and body. Analyze the limitations of the theory.
- Week 10MODULE 3: MONIST THEORIES OF MIND
Unit 1: Behaviourism – Gilbert Ryle · 1.5 hours
Explain Ryle's behaviorism. Critique Cartesian dualism. Understand the concept of category mistake.
- Week 11MODULE 3: MONIST THEORIES OF MIND
Unit 2: Central State Materialism – D.M. Armstrong · 1.5 hours
Explain central state materialism. Understand the identity thesis and mechanism. Analyze Armstrong's position on central state materialism.
- Week 12MODULE 3: MONIST THEORIES OF MIND
Unit 3: Central State Materialism - J.J.C. Smart and U.T. Place · 1.5 hours
Discuss Place's idea on central state materialism. Explain Smart's thought on central state materialism. Compare and contrast their views.
- Week 13MODULE 4 - Mind and Consciousness
Unit 4: Linguistic Approach – Richard Rorty · 1.5 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 hours
Define consciousness and its various states. Explore the different types of consciousness. Understand the key theories of consciousness.
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking dualist and monist theories
- Compare and contrast key philosophers' arguments
- Focus on understanding the mind-body problem
- Review key terminologies from Module 1
- Practice essay questions on consciousness and AI
Questions students ask about this course
What is PHL411 about?
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.
How many units does PHL411 have?
PHL411, PHILOSOPHY OF MIND, has 17 units across 4 modules, over 125 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PHL411?
PHL411 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Arts.
Is PHL411 hard?
PHL411 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does PHL411 take to study?
About 20.8 hours of study, spread across its 17 units.
How is PHL411 assessed?
PHL411 is assessed by discussion forum presentations, papers and final examination.
What do I need before starting PHL411?
Introduction to Philosophy Logic Metaphysics
What can I do with PHL411?
Philosopher, Cognitive Scientist, AI Ethicist, Researcher and Analyst.