Last modified: 26 Feb 2018 19:35
Watch the course video! In this course we explore a series of arguments which suggest that it is hard to fit the mind into the physical world. In particular, we focus on three topics: the Mind/Body Problem, Free Will and Determinism, and Personal Identity. Each topic starts with an argument which suggests that we are not merely physical entities like brains, the central nervous system or other biological entities. Taken together, these arguments offer a serious challenge to the view that we can explain human cognition in terms of the physical characteristics of human brains and bodies. Download course guide
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Old Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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In this course we will explore a series of arguments drawn from the Philosophy of Mind and Metaphysics which suggest that it is hard to fit the mind into the physical world. In particular, we will focus on three topics: the Mind/Body Problem, Free Will and Determinism, and Personal Identity. Each topic starts with an argument which suggests that minds, free agents, and persons are not identical or reducible to physical entities like brains, the central nervous system or other biological entities. Taken together, these arguments offer a serious challenge to the view that we can explain human cognition in terms of the physical characteristics of human brains and bodies. In this course you will have an opportunity to study the arguments in detail and consider for yourselves how deep a challenge this is to the scientific study of cognition and reason.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
First attempt: three 1000-1250 word writing exercises (exercise 1 - 30%, exercises 2 and 3 - 35%)
Resit: two 1000 word essays (50%) each
There are no assessments for this course.
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