Philosophy of Mind 1
| Module title | Philosophy of Mind 1 |
|---|---|
| Module code | PHL2010A |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Tom Roberts (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 65 |
|---|
Module description
In this module you will be introduced to the concept of ‘The Mind’. You will consider what he mind is and discuss and be presented with conceptual issues that arise from these discussions. You will analyze the mind-body problem in its various facets: how it emerged, what it implies, and whether and how it can be overcome. At the end of the course, you will be familiar with major, classic and contemporary views, including Descartes’ dualistic theory of mind and matter including "substance dualism", "property dualism", "behaviourism", "identity theory", "instrumentalism", "functionalism", "eliminativism", and "extended mind". You will demonstrate your knowledge of these theories, summarise and evaluate them and present and justify your own philosophical views with appropriate arguments.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to present and discuss conceptual issues that arise when one tries to understand what the mind is. It analyzes the mind-body problem in its various facets: how it emerged, what it implies, and whether and how it can be overcome. At the end of the course, students will be familiar with major, classic and contemporary views, including "substance dualism", "property dualism", "behaviourism", "identity theory", "instrumentalism", "functionalism", "eliminativism", and "extended mind".
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Present and discuss several philosophical notions of "mind"
- 2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various proposed solutions to the mind-body problem
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Summarize and discuss several philosophical theories
- 4. Demonstrate knowledge of essential philosophical concepts
- 5. Break down philosophical arguments and evaluate them
- 6. Present and justify their own philosophical views with appropriate arguments
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Communicate ideas clearly and appropriately by written and oral means
- 8. Discuss abstract ideas in a clear and competent way
- 9. Engage critically with the assigned readings
- 10. Engage productively in group discussion
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Descartes' mind/body dualism.
- Behaviourism.
- Identity theory.
- Functionalism.
- Eliminativism.
- Instrumentalism.
- Consciousness.
- Extended Mind.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 27.5 | 122.5 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 27.5 | Weekly 2.5 hour lectures/seminars or 1.5 hour lecture + 1 hour seminar. |
| Guided independent study | 45 | Preparation for essay, library, research etc. |
| Guided independent study | 77.5 | Private study |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay 1 | 50 | 1,500 words | 1-10 | written |
| Essay 2 | 50 | 1,800 words | 1-10 | written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (1,500 words) | 1-10 | August/September reassessment period |
| Exam | Exam (1.5 hours) | 1-10 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
A range of papers/chapters will be made available to students at the beginning of the module.
A comprehensive anthology that includes several of the assigned readings is:
* J. Heil, Philosophy of Mind: A Guide and Anthology, Oxford University Press, 2004.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE - http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.50 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2008 |
| Last revision date | 03/03/2022 |
