AP/PHIL2240 3.0 M: Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind
Offered by: PHIL
Session
Summer 2020
Term
S2
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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Professor Verena Gottschling
Office Location: S444 Ross Building
Phone Number: (416) 736-2100 Ext. 44722
Office Hours: By appointment via e-mail only
This course is an introductory overview to Philosophy of Mind. We will introduce the Mind Body Problem and several metaphysical theories about the relationship between the mind and the body. We examine Descartes' mind-body dualism as well as 20th century theories including: behaviorism, the identity theory, machine and causal functionalism, instrumentalism, eliminativism, and emergentism. Other topics will we the issues of whether machines can think, whether we have a free will, and what makes you a particular person.
This Is Philosophy Of Mind: An Introduction, by Pete Mandik
Wiley-Blackwell; Auflage: 1. (19. Juli 2013)
Available as an e-book and as paperback
Final Essay 30%
Two small papers 40% (each 20%)
Forum and group activity 20%
Weekly homework: 10%
The course in an online course with both asynchronous, as well as synchronous activities, the synchronous activities are required as well.
: Lecture and class discussion
The course in an online course with both asynchronous, as well as synchronous activities, the synchronous activities are required as well.
To ensure that you receive a high quality and hopefully transformative educational experience, regular participation is a requirement of this class. Typical weeks include required reading, viewing some video content, participating in discussion forums and at Zoom lectures with Q&A and discussion, as well as completing an assignment or an exam. To be successful in this class, you will need to log in at least several times per module to access course materials and to participate actively in the class.
After completing this course, students should be able to:
- Have a sense of the main topics in contemporary analytic philosophy of Mind, and different views regarding the relationship between Mind and Body.
- Be better able to evaluate others’ arguments and to create their own.
- Develop the ability to write analyses of arguments
- Know about several contemporary figures in Philosophy of Mind
- 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
