PPR204: Philosophy of Mind

Tutors: Vernon Pratt (Michaelmas); and Dr. Rachel Cooper (Lent)
Terms: Michaelmas and Lent

Course Description

We start by examining issues in the metaphysics of mind. What is the relation between mentality and life? How do mental states connect up with behaviour? Is the mind really just the brain? Is the mind a kind of computer? Do we think in a 'language of thought'? How do our thoughts manage to reach out to reality and be about anything? Can we explain consciousness? We then move on to epistemological issues: How can we gain knowledge of our own mental states, or of other people's? How should psychologists seek to investigate the mind? For the most part, this course will be structured around contemporary texts.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Outline and expand upon some of the main issues and theoretical positions in philosophy of mind.
• Set out some of the influential argumentation that has been developed in relation to the various issues and problems discussed in this module.
• Begin an independent evaluation of these problems and be in a position to make some progress towards developing authoritative views of their own.

Assessment

40% coursework and 60% exam.
Coursework: 2 essays of 2500 words each. Exam: 3 hours.

Teaching Method

Lecture (1.5 hours) and seminar (1 hour) weekly.

Introductory Reading

D. Dennett Consciousness Explained.

W. Lyons Matters of the Mind.

J. Searle Minds, Brains and Science. Especially ch.1.

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