Course content

What is the mind? What constitutes a thinking or intelligent system, be it biological or artificial? What is consciousness? How do any of these things relate to the physical and social environment? Examples of more specific questions in this area include: What is the relation between mind and brain? How can we know what other people think, perceive, or feel? To what extent can the mind be explained or illuminated scientifically, for example by neuroscience, psychology or other fields in cognitive science? While previous knowledge of such fields is not required, students will have the chance to integrate their knowledge from those or other specialist fields with themes from contemporary philosophy of mind and philosophy of cognitive science. In this way, they contribute to an interdisciplinary understanding of the scope and possibilities of explaining the mind in a naturalistic manner.

Learning outcome

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome (defined as knowledge and skills)

Knowledge

The candidate has

• knowledge of the mind-body problem and the various positions on this (dualism, identity theory, functionalism, including modern interpretations.)
• knowledge of some specific problems and topics in philosophy of mind and cognition, such as: intentionality, perception, consciousness, embodiment, pain, attention, emotion, personal identity etc.

Skills

The candidate has

• the ability to integrate and apply existing knowledge from other fields to philosophical considerations, leading to an interdisciplinary understanding of the scope and possibilities of explaining the mind or some aspect thereof naturalistically.

Learning methods and activities

Supervision, self-study.

The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies arranges open seminars on a variety of topics which may include themes in philosophy of mind and/or philosophy of science of relevance to FI3010.

In order to sit the exam the students must hand in an approved reading list to the Department.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved reading list

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

Syllabus is decided upon in collaboration with supervisor. Students who have taken an elective course with specialisation in philosophy must ensure that the theme and syllabus are distinct from this.