Philosophy of Mind, advanced study, 6 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Master Programme in Cognitive Science

Entry requirements

For admission to the course, admission to the Master's Programme in Cognitive Science or to one of the advanced courses in theoretical philosophy, or the equivalent, is required.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to
- account for the central philosophic concepts that are used in describing human mental abilities and properties,
- discuss and compare the most important theories about the soul/consciousness,
- explain how these theories are linked to basic metaphysical and methodological attitudes,
- account for central elements in some of the most important debates in the intersection between cognition research, neurophysiology, philosophy of mind and linguistics,
- relate these philosophic questions to current problems within cognitive science research.

Course content

The course builds on basic problems and conceptions that are included in the field of philosophy of mind. Some of the themes and questions covered in the course are:
- Different theories of mental representations
- Internal and external theories of awareness content
- Questions regarding first person authority
- Eliminativism within the philosophy of mind.

Teaching and working methods

The teaching takes the form of lectures and compulsory seminars. Part of the teaching may take place as distance education. The student is expected to study independently, individually or in groups.

Examination

The course is examined through oral assignments that are presented in seminars, written assignments and a written examination. The seminars are compulsory and constitute part of the examination. Active participation in the seminars is required. Detailed information can be found in the study guide.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Department