Phil of Mind/Cog Sci

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

In this course we will examine some of the core issues in the philosophy of mind and cognitive science. We will look at a number of issues concerning the methodology that ought to be adopted in studying the mind. We will ask whether the mind is best understood in computational terms; we will ask whether the mind is a system of dedicated modules; we will ask how important it is that the mind is embodied; and we will ask whether the mind extends beyond the boundaries of skin-and-skull. Over the course of the semester you will write two short papers, and you will be expected to contribute to in-class discussion. Previous knowledge of psychology and cognitive science will be helpful, but this background is not required; similarly, prior work in the philosophy of science, philosophy of language, or metaphysics will be incredibly helpful.