Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Official General Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Official General Catalog [Archived Catalog]

PHI 103 - Philosophy of Mind


What does it mean to have a mind?  What does it mean to be conscious?  Is the mind different from the brain?  This course examines the historic and contemporary theories of consciousness and personal identity.  Beginning with Descartes and his critics, the theories of physicalism, eliminative materialism, functionalism, and recent developments in cognitive science and neurophilosophy, and dialogues with Asian philosophy are explored.  Also, theories of personal identity.
 

Credits: 3
Hours
3 Class Hours
Course Profile
Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1.  Compare various positions regarding the nature of the mind and its relation to the physical world.
2.  Analyze and evaluate arguments in defense of various positions regarding the nature of the mind.
3.  Articulate and defend her/his own position concerning the nature of consciousness.
4.  Recognize and describe various methods both historical and contemporary of relating science and philosophy.