Professor Jacob Beck
jbeck@yorku.ca
Office Location:  S439 Ross Building
Phone Number:  (416) 736-2100 Ext. 22582
Virtual office hours: Students can schedule office hours with Professor Beck at https://calendly.com/j_beck

We have sciences of the physical world (physics), chemical world (chemistry), and biological world (biology). But can we have a science of the mind? Cognitive science answers affirmatively, and seeks to understand the mind by integrating findings from such variegated disciplines as philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, anthropology, evolutionary biology, and artificial intelligence. One core idea of cognitive science is that the mind is too complex to be understood from the perspective of any one discipline, and thus that this interdisciplinary approach is necessary. Another core idea is that the mind is like a computer. We will critically examine these and other core ideas of cognitive science and study their application to a wide range of phenomena, including perception, language, mental imagery, reasoning, morality, mathematics, and consciousness. We will also consider objections from skeptics who doubt that cognitive science can provide a comprehensive science of the mind.

Technical requirements for taking the course: Students will need a high-speed internet connection and computer to watch videos of the lectures.

Here are some useful links for student computing information, resources and help:

Student Guide to Moodle

Zoom@YorkU Best Practices 

Zoom@YorkU User Reference Guide

Computing for Students Website

Student Guide to eLearning at York University

To determine Internet connection and speed, there are online tests, such as Speedtest, that can be run.

Times and locations: This is a blended course. Lectures will be posted online. Tutorials will be held on campus. Students must attend the tutorials in person.

The textbook for the course is Cognitive Science: An Introduction to the Science of the Mind, 4^th Edition, by José Luis Bermúdez. The textbook will be supplemented by a variety of readings, made available through eClass.

Papers                                   35%

Quizzes                                 30%

Final Exam                            30%

Tutorial Participation           5%

This is a blended course. Lectures will be posted online. Tutorials will be held on campus. Students must attend the tutorials in person.

1. Identify and characterize the principal techniques cognitive scientists use to study the mind.
2. Analyze and evaluate the core ideas and paradigms that have guided cognitive science.
3. Understand major developments and findings from cognitive science.

Additional Information:

In-person attendance at tutorials is mandatory.

Course Policy on Lecture Recordings

Lecture recordings are to be used for educational purposes only and as a means for enhancing accessibility. Students do not have permission to duplicate, copy and/or distribute the recordings outside of the class (these acts can violate not only copyright laws but also FIPPA).