An introduction to the philosophy of mind

About this course

The course examines major approaches to the philosophy of mind, including dualism, behaviourism, identity theory, functionalism, eliminativism, fictionalism and the computational theory of mind. It also considers mental content, mental causation and consciousness. Teaching is organised around discussion of philosophical issues and analysis of arguments from selected texts, with related thinking taking place outside class. The course focuses on problems involved in understanding the nature of mind and on the strategies philosophers use to address them.

What you'll learn

• Describe key theories of mind, including dualism, behaviourism, identity theory and functionalism.
• Analyse arguments concerning mental content, mental causation and consciousness.
• Examine philosophical problems involved in explaining the nature of mind.
• Compare different strategies for addressing central questions in the philosophy of mind.

Is this course right for you?

This introductory course is intended for learners approaching the philosophy of mind, although the topics are intellectually demanding. Specific prior skills are less important than an open-minded willingness to listen to and consider views that may differ from their own, engage in class discussion and think about the material outside class.

• Requires readiness to engage with conceptually challenging material.
• Includes discussion and analysis of arguments in class.
• Involves some engagement with course material outside class.

Before you go

• Learners should have regular access to Ian Ravenscroft's Philosophy of Mind: A Beginner's Guide (Oxford University Press, 2005).