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Philosophical Readings 3

Module description

In this course we will read Gilbert Ryle’s book “The Concept of Mind”. First published in 1949, “The Concept of Mind” is famous for its attack on Cartesian dualism, which Ryle calls “the dogma of the Ghost in the Machine”. It is often said to epitomise two highly influential, but now discredited, movements in 20th century philosophy: behaviourism and ordinary language philosophy. And yet many of the book’s central themes are now re-emerging in cutting-edge debates in philosophy of mind and cognitive science. Indeed, Daniel Dennett has described “The Concept of Mind” as “one of the most original and influential – if still hugely underestimated – works of philosophy of the century”. In this module we will engage with the book in depth and discuss Ryle’s ideas on a range of central topics in philosophy of mind, including perception, reasoning, emotion and the imagination.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to introduce you to one of the most influential books in 20th century philosophy, Gilbert Ryle’s “The Concept of Mind”. As well as engaging critically with a major philosophical work, you will become familiar with two key movements in 20th century philosophy, behaviourism and ordinary language philosophy. You will also think critically about a number of central issues in philosophy of mind.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. engage in in-depth study of a text through detailed reading and analysis;
• 2. understand the historical and social context of production of the philosophical book;
• 3. question/criticise the text’s approach from different perspectives;

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. demonstrate the ability to analyse philosophical arguments;
• 5. reason about the abstract and concrete problems addressed in texts;
• 6. write well-argued essays using appropriate philosophical arguments and language;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. construct and evaluate arguments;
• 8. formulate and express ideas at different levels of abstraction; and
• 9. assess, analyse, discuss, and criticise the views of others.

Syllabus plan

The syllabus plan will vary depending on the text that has been chosen (see below). In general, each week will be devoted to in-depth analysis of a significant part of the text (one or two chapters).

1. Introduction
2. Chapter 1 – “Descartes’ Myth”
3. Chapter 2 – Knowing How and Knowing That”
4. Chapter 3 – “The Will”
5. Chapter 4 – “Emotion”
6. Chapter 5 – “Dispositions and Occurrences”
7. Chapter 6 – “Self-Knowledge”
8. Chapter 7 – “Sensation and Observation”
9. Chapter 8 – “Imagination”
10. Chapter 9 – “The Intellect”
11. Chapter 10 – “Psychology”

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

The main text chosen for this module may vary from year to year.

The key text for the course will be:
Ryle, G. (1949/2000). The Concept of Mind. (Penguin Modern Classics)

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Key words search

Philosophy, Mind, Gilbert Ryle