AP/PHIL2240 3.0 M: Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind
Offered by: PHIL
Session
Winter 2021
Term
W
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 Start Up
Course Websites hosted on York's "eClass" are accessible to students during the first week of the term. It takes two business days from the time of your enrolment to access your course website. Course materials begin to be released on the course website during the first week. To log in to your eClass course visit the York U eClass Portal and login with your Student Passport York Account. If you are creating and participating in Zoom meetings you may also go directly to the York U Zoom Portal.
For further course Start Up details, review the Getting Started webpage.
For IT support, students may contact University Information Technology Client Services via askit@yorku.ca or (416) 736-5800. Please also visit Students Getting Started UIT or the Getting Help - UIT webpages.
Dr. Alexandru Manafu
alexman@yorku.ca
Virtual/Online. More information about office hours will be made available on EClass. Students will be able to book video meetings with the course director, via EClass/Zoom.
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, functionalism, reductionism, emergentism, etc.
A set of readings made available in electronic format, from the library or on Moodle.
2 Exams: 50% each
NOTE: For ethical reasons, I do not revise the students’ grades, nor do I allow students to do extra work to boost their marks, or bump up student’s grades. The main reason for this is my commitment to treat all students equally.
Late assignments policy:
Since the answers to the exams will be revealed after the exams end, no late exams can be accepted, without any exceptions.
Lectures (Virtual/Online)
By the end of this course, students will:
- Be able to summarize, analyze, compare and engage critically with the various theories and concepts in the philosophy of mind;
- Parse and evaluate complex arguments;
- Be able to formulate your own views about the nature of the mind and defend them with cogent arguments.
- 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
