AP/PHIL4082 3.0 A: Philosophy of Cognitive Science
Offered by: PHIL
Session
Fall 2019
Term
F
Format
SEMR
Instructor
Calendar Description / Prerequisite / Co-Requisite
An examination of philosophical issues at the foundations of cognitive science, such as: mental representation, perception, concepts, rationality, memory, intelligence, modularity, evolutionary psychology, extended and embodied cognition, and consciousness. Prerequisite: At least nine credits in AP/PHIL courses, including at least three credits from the following: AP/PHIL 3260 3.00 or AP/PHIL 3265 3.00.
Course Website
Many courses utilize Moodle, York University's course website system. If your course is using Moodle, refer to the image below to access it.
Verena Gottschling
Office Location: S436 Ross Building
Phone Number: (416) 736-2100 Ext. 77553
Office Hours: Thursday 10:30 – 11:30
Topic: Reflecting about ourselves and others: Metacognition
We use metacognitive capacities to judge our own knowledge and to regulate our own cognitive processes, to maximize our potential for thinking, learning and evaluating situations. In other words, metacognition is knowledge about cognition and the ability to control one’s own cognition. Metacognition literally means 'above cognition', it is a general term encompassing a certain kind of higher-level cognition, “cognition about cognition” or “thinking about thinking”. Metacognition includes the study of memory-monitoring (meta-memory) and self-regulation, meta-reasoning, certain kinds of theories of consciousness and awareness are metarepresentational, self-awareness and episodic memory seem to require metacognition, as well as social metacognition seems essential for social skills and ethical rules. In this interdisciplinary seminar you will look at different accounts, views and approaches to metacognition as well as different metacognitive components.
Several papers (online, Moodle)
Final Essay 40%
Midterm 30%
Short reaction papers : 30%
In the reaction papers you will very briefly summarize an assigned reading and then either offer a brief criticism of the reading or ask critical questions about it. An example of what is expected will be provided. The midterm will be in-class, and will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. The take home final will consist of a final essay. Penalties of missed assignments are left to my discretion.
Lecture and class discussion
After completing this course, students should be able to:
- Understand in some depth the main topics regarding metacognition in contemporary analytic philosophy of Cognitive Science, and different views regarding metacognition
- Evaluate others’ conceptual and empirical arguments and to create their own.
- Develop the ability to write analyses of arguments
- Know about several contemporary figures in the philosophy of Cognitive Science
- Academic Honesty
- Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Religious Observance
- Grading Scheme and Feedback
- 20% Rule
No examinations or tests collectively worth more than 20% of the final grade in a course will be given during the final 14 calendar days of classes in a term. The exceptions to the rule are classes which regularly meet Friday evenings or on Saturday and/or Sunday at any time, and courses offered in the compressed summer terms. - Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
