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Study information

Philosophy of Mind 1

Module titlePhilosophy of Mind 1
Module codePHL2010A
Academic year2023/4
Credits15
Module staff

Tom Roberts (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

11

Number students taking module (anticipated)

65

Module description

In this module you will be introduced to the concept of ‘The Mind’. You will consider what he mind is and discuss and be presented with conceptual issues that arise from these discussions. You will analyze the mind-body problem in its various facets: how it emerged, what it implies, and whether and how it can be overcome. At the end of the course, you will be familiar with major, classic and contemporary views, including Descartes’ dualistic theory of mind and matter including "substance dualism", "property dualism", "behaviourism", "identity theory", "instrumentalism", "functionalism", "eliminativism", and "extended mind". You will demonstrate your knowledge of these theories, summarise and evaluate them and present and justify your own philosophical views with appropriate arguments.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to present and discuss conceptual issues that arise when one tries to understand what the mind is. It analyzes the mind-body problem in its various facets: how it emerged, what it implies, and whether and how it can be overcome. At the end of the course, students will be familiar with major, classic and contemporary views, including "substance dualism", "property dualism", "behaviourism", "identity theory", "instrumentalism", "functionalism", "eliminativism", and "extended mind".

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

  • 1. Present and discuss several philosophical notions of "mind"
  • 2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various proposed solutions to the mind-body problem

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

  • 3. Summarize and discuss several philosophical theories
  • 4. Demonstrate knowledge of essential philosophical concepts
  • 5. Break down philosophical arguments and evaluate them
  • 6. Present and justify their own philosophical views with appropriate arguments

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

  • 7. Communicate ideas clearly and appropriately by written and oral means
  • 8. Discuss abstract ideas in a clear and competent way
  • 9. Engage critically with the assigned readings
  • 10. Engage productively in group discussion

Syllabus plan

Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:

  • Descartes' mind/body dualism.
  • Behaviourism.
  • Identity theory.
  • Functionalism.
  • Eliminativism.
  • Instrumentalism.
  • Consciousness.
  • Extended Mind.

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
27.5122.5

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity27.5Weekly 2.5 hour lectures/seminars or 1.5 hour lecture + 1 hour seminar.
Guided independent study45Preparation for essay, library, research etc.
Guided independent study77.5Private study

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Essay 1501,500 words1-10written
Essay 2501,800 words 1-10written
0
0
0
0

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

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
EssayEssay (1,500 words)1-10August/September reassessment period
ExamExam (1.5 hours)1-10August/September reassessment period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

A range of papers/chapters will be made available to students at the beginning of the module.

A comprehensive anthology that includes several of the assigned readings is:
* J. Heil, Philosophy of Mind: A Guide and Anthology, Oxford University Press, 2004.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE - http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Key words search

Philosophy, mind

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.50

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

5

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

01/10/2008

Last revision date

03/03/2022