To give students an understanding of the main developments in twentieth century analytic philosophy of mind: dualism, identity theory and functionalism. To give students a grasp of cutting-edge debates in philosophy of mind concerning (i) the place of consciousness in nature, (ii) the relationship between consciousness and thought, (iii) artificial intelligence, perception, the influence of the unconscious on our conscious minds.

(LO1) Students should be able to explain the history of twentieth century analytic philosophy of mind.

(LO2) Students should be able to explain cutting edge contemporary debates on, the place of consciousness in nature, the relationship between thought and consciousness, artificial intelligence.

(LO3) Students should be able to build a case for a specific view concerning, the place of consciousness in nature, the relationship between thought and consciousness, artificial intelligence.

(LO4) Students should be able to explain the main strengths and weaknesses of dominant theories on these three things in the philosophical literature.

(LO5) Students should further develop their abilities to extract arguments from texts, render them in schematic form, and assess the soundness of their premises and the validity of their structures.

(LO6) Students should be able to think more creatively about the relationship between thought, consciousness and the physical world.

(S1) Students will develop their skills in thinking critically, analysing problems and analysing and assessing arguments.

(S2) Students will enhance their ability to identify the issues that underlie debates.

(S3) Students will develop confidence in considering previously unfamiliar ideas and approaches, and their ability to identify presuppositions and to reflect critically upon them.

(S4) Students will enhance their ability to marshal arguments and present them orally and in writing.

(S5) Students will develop the ability to perform bibliographical searches, to include to professional standard, citations and bibliographies in their work and to plan, organise and produce presentations and essays.

(S6) Students will enhance their oral and written communications skills and develop skill in explaining complex material in a precise manner.

(S7) Students will develop their ability to work independently.

(S8) Students will develop their ability to sift through information, assessing the relevance and importance of the information to what is at issue.

(S9) Students will develop their skills in making appropriate use of information technology, information on the World Wide Web and reference works and databases relevant to the discipline.

What is Physicalism? Varieties of Physicalism: Functionalism and Identity Theory. Conceivability Arguments against Physicalism. Panpsychism. Artificial Intelligence, Perception, the unconscious.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: 11 x 1 hour lectures.
Lectures are tutor-led activities, offering a map of the syllabus and a framework for independent enquiry-led research. Students are encouraged to engage actively with lectures through, for example: (i) taking opportunities to ask questions during the session; (ii) reflecting on and responding to questions posed to them; (iii) producing questions and notes on issues for subsequent group discussion in seminars.
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: 11 x 1 hour seminar. Seminars are formative spaces of applied and enquiry-led learning based on pre-set readings and facilitated by the tutor. Seminars thus offer opportunities for students to respond to tutor- and peer-set questions, deepen understanding, apply ideas, develop arguments and build confidence through group discussion. One or two students take the lead each week through peer-teaching, delivering presentations based on their own enquiries and identification of questions and issues.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Delivery Notes:

a) mixed, hybrid delivery, with social distancing on campus: Lectures on-line; seminars on-campus

(b) fully online delivery and assessment: Lectures on-line; seminars on-line

(c) standard on campus delivery with minimal social distancing: Lectures on-campus; seminars on-campus

The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.