AP/PHIL2240 3.0 A: Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind
Offered by: PHIL
Session
Summer 2019
Term
S1
Format
LECT
Instructor
Calendar Description / Prerequisite / Co-Requisite
An introduction to metaphysical theories about the relationship between the mind and the body. We examine Descartes' mind-body dualism as well as 20th century theories including: behaviourism, the identity theory, machine and causal functionalism, instrumentalism, eliminativism, and emergentism.
Course Website
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Instructor: Jill Cumby
Office: S446 Ross
Office Hours: Tue. And Thur. 12:00 – 1:00
Email: jcumby1@yorku.ca
An introduction to metaphysical theories about the relationship between the mind and the body. We examine Descartes' mind-body dualism as well as 20th century theories including: behaviourism, identity theory, machine and causal functionalism, instrumentalism, eliminativism, and emergentism.
Main questions to be addressed in this class include: Are the mind and body sepearte substances? If so, how do they interact? Can we avoid the problem of mind – body interaction? Can we focus on behavior instead? Is the mind identical to the brain? Can we better understand the mind by analogy with a computer? Is the mind a construct? Can we eliminate talk of minds? What in the world is consciousness anyway?
- Philosophy of Mind: A Contemporary Introduction, 3rd Edition, Routledge
- Author: John Heil
- Additional papers posted to moodle
| In Class Writing Assignment | May 14 | 25% |
| In Class Writing Assignment | May 30 | 30% |
| Question Submission (see notes below) | To be submitted to me on two dates of your choosing | 5% |
| Final Paper | Due during exam period | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
| Date | Topic | Readings Due |
| April 30 | Introduction | Heil, Ch. 1 |
| May 2 | Cartesian Dualism and the Mind- Body Problem | Heil, Ch. 2 |
| May 7 | Parralelism, Occasioanlism, Idealism and Epiphenomenalism | Heil, Ch. 3 |
| May 9 | Behaviorism: Philosophcial and Psychological, and Category Mistakes | Heil, Ch. 4 *Gilbert Ryle, “Descartes Myth” |
| May 14 | In Class Writing Assignment | |
| May 16 | Identitiy Theory | Heil, Ch. 5 |
| May 21 | Functionalism | Heil, Ch. 6 |
| May 23 | The Representational Theory of Mind | Heil, Ch. 7 *John Searle, “Minds, Brains, and Programs” |
| May 28 | The Intentional Stance | Heil, Ch. 8 |
| May 30 | In Class Writing Assignment | |
| June 4 | Eliminativism | Heil, Ch. 9 * Lynne Rudder Baker, “Cognitive Suicide” |
| June 6 | Consciousness | Heil, Ch. 10 |
Papers with * will be available on moodle
After completing this course students should have a firm grasp of selected themes in the philosophy of mind. Students should also have improved skills in: asking relevant questions, concise writing, and reading comprehension.
- 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
