PHIL 309 Philosophy of Mind
Catalog Description
An introduction to the fundamental questions, concepts, and problems of contemporary philosophy of mind including those concerning the nature of mind, the relationship between mind and world, and the nature of consciousness.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing this course will:
1. Understand the mind-body problem.
2. Know the central solutions to this problem, proponents of those solutions, central arguments in favor of those solutions, and main objections to those solutions.
3. Distinguish main lines of argument, objections, and distinctions.
4. Use the central methodology of analytic philosophy.
5. Understand the problem of phenomenal consciousness.
6. Know the main positions with respect to the POC.
Required Text
John Heil, Philosophy of mind: A guide and anthology, OUP, 2004.
Ravenscroft, Ian, Philosophy of mind: A beginner’s guide, OUP, 2005.
*Additional Readings will be on reserve in the handed out in class or posted on Bb.
PowerPoint Presentations <---NEW
Links
- The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
- The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
- Mind Papers
- South Carolina Society for Philosophy
- Undergraduate Journals, Conferences, and Contests
- Another list of undergraduate journals and conferences
- Phi Sigma Tau Honor Society
Parking things here to read/think about
- Brain Mapping
- Pain is Weird
- Do honeybees feel? (NYT)
- Awake or knocked out? (NYT)
- Consciousness--It's Matter (G. Strawson on NYT)
- Putnam & Aristotle (OUP Blog)
- Sci of Consciousness Conference
- The Mental Block
- The empty brain (podcast)
- Searle's Course at UC Berkeley
Videos