Philosophy of Mind
| Module title | Philosophy of Mind |
|---|---|
| Module code | PSY3450 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Peter Sjostedt-Hughes (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 35 |
|---|
Module description
In this module you will study the relation between ‘mind’ and ‘matter’ – the mind-matter problem. Drawing upon centuries of thought as well as recent developments in the sciences, you will consider an array of options that seeks to frame our place in Nature. You will explore a range of questions, including the following: What is ‘mind’? Is mind identical to, emergent through, separate from, or causative for, events in the brain? Is the mind conditioned byphysical events that extend beyond the brain and body? Do mind and matter both emerge from a neutral substance? How is mental causation (including free will) possible in a physical world? Is mind an illusion? Is matter an illusion? Is it possible for machines and/or plants to have sentience, and how might we determine this? Is the mind-matter problem even solvable by humans? There is one fundamental problem, and many possible replies.
Though the module can be complex in parts, you need not have a background in any philosophical discourse, or in any other specific discipline.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module is intended to broaden your conceptions of what the mind (consciousness, perceptions, memories, emotions, thoughts, etc.) might be in relation to ‘reality’ in general. In turn, this broadening can offer new insights and the development of novel hypotheses in relation to other facets and problems in psychology.
In addition to this intended conceptual broadening, you will develop skills such as:
– Conceptual analysis: the ability to clearly understand and express nuanced ideas, and critically relate them concisely to other ideas.
– Creative thought. As there is no settled solution to the mind-matter problem, creative insights and critiques are naturally fostered.
– Social engagement. Though abstract, the Philosophy of Mind concerns our relations to the world in which we live. Certain responses catalyse certain ethical approaches to ecology, religion, and society.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the theories and texts (readings) for the course
- 2. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the methodological and conceptual problems of a philosophy of mind
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Understand the structure of the discipline and the interrelation between its subdisciplines
- 4. Demonstrate knowledge of the philosophical inquiry and dimensions of a specific topic
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse and present texts with guidance, and discuss complex problems
- 6. Demonstrate the ability to research independently and write a critical essay on a module theme.
Syllabus plan
Indicative list of topics:
– The Explanatory Gap / Hard Problem of Consciousness / Mind-Matter Problem
– Mind-Matter Ontologies: Physicalism, Dualism, Idealism, Monism
– Mind-Matter Differentiations: What is Consciousness? What is Matter?
– The Psycho-neural Identity Theory
– Multiple Realization and Functionalism
– Emergentism and Epiphenomenalism
– Mental Causation
– The ‘Self’
– 4E Mind Theories
– Metaphysics of Memory
– Altered States of Consciousness
– Predictive Processing Theories
– Panpsychism
– Machine Sentience
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 33 | 117 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 33 | 11 x 2hr lecture & discussion; 11x 1hr seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 50 | Preparatory Reading and General Research |
| Guided Independent Study | 37 | Preparation and Writing of Essay or Literature review |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Preparation for exam |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay or Literature Review Outline | 200 words max. | 16 | Written or spoken |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 60 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | 60 | 3 hours | 16 | Written |
| Essay or Literature Review | 40 | 2000 words | 16 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | Exam | 16 | August Ref/Def |
| Essay or Literature Review | Essay or Literature Review | 16 | August Ref/Def |
Re-assessment notes
Two assessments are required for this module. Where you have been referred/deferred in the examination you will have the opportunity to take a second examination in the later re-assessment period. Where you have been referred/deferred in the essay you will be required to resubmit the essay. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%; deferred marks are not capped.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic readings:
- Chalmers, D. (1995) ‘Facing Up to the Problem of Consciousness’
- Davidson, D. (1970) ‘Mental Events’
- Descartes, R. (1641) Meditations on First Philosophy (II and VI)
- Feigl, H. (1967) ‘The “Mental” and the “Physical”’
- Hartshorne, C. (1950) ‘Panpsychism’
- Hauskeller, C., Sjöstedt-Hughes, P., eds. (2022) Philosophy and Psychedelics: Frameworks for Exceptional Experience (London: Bloomsbury Academic)
- Huxley, T. H. (1874) ‘On the Hypothesis that Animals are Automata, and its History’
- Jackson, F. (1982) ‘Epiphenomenal Qualia’
- Jackson, F. (1986) ‘What Mary Didn't Know’
- James, W. (1879) ‘Are we Automata?’
- James, W. (1882) ‘On Some Hegelisms’
- James, W. (1904) ‘Does “Consciousness” Exist?’
- Kim, J. (2005) ‘Mental Causation and Consciousness: Our Two Mind-body Problems’
- Kim, J. (2006) ‘Emergence: Core Ideas and Issues’
- Levine, J. (1983) ‘Materialism and Qualia: The Explanatory Gap’
- Manzotti, R. and Moderato, P. (2010) ‘Is Neuroscience Adequate as the Forthcoming “Mindscience”?’
- McGinn, C. (1989) ‘Can we Solve the Mind/Body Problem?’
- Nagel, T. (1974) ‘What is it Like to be a Bat?’
- Nagel, T. (2000) ‘The Psychophysical Nexus’
- Putnam, H. (1970) ‘The Nature of Mental States’
- Searle, J. (2002) ‘Can Computers Think?’
- Sjöstedt-Hughes, P. (2021) Modes of Sentience: Psychedelics, Metaphysics, Panpsychism
- Smart, J. J. C. (1959) ‘Sensations and Brain Processes’
- Strawson, G. (2009) ‘Realistic Monism: Why Physicalism entails Panpsychism’
- Thompson, E. and Cosmelli, D. (2011) ‘Brain in a Vat or Body in a World? Brainbound versus Enactive Views of Experience’
Textbooks:
- Bayne, T. (2022) Philosophy of Mind: An Introduction (London: Routledge)
- Feser, E. (2005) Philosophy of Mind: A Beginner’s Guide (Oxford: Oneworld)
- Heil, J. (1998/2020) Philosophy of Mind: A Contemporary Introduction, 4th edition (London: Routledge)
- Kim, J. (2011) Philosophy of Mind, 3rd edition (Boulder: Westview Press)
Edited Volumes
- Borst, C. V., ed. (1970) The Mind/Brain Identity Theory (London: Macmillan)
- Chalmers, D., ed. (2002) Philosophy of Mind: Classical and Contemporary Readings
- McLaughlin, et al., eds. (2009) The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Mind (Oxford: Oxford University Press)
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages
- Exoniensis YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfmMoRkMunR-kXGNOszcD8A
(Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes’ Exeter YouTube channel wherein videos related to the modules are posted in
relevant playlists.)
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 07/02/2022 |
| Last revision date | 14/12/2023 |
