Philosophy of Mind

“I had to philosophize. Otherwise, I could not live in this world.”
(Edmund Husserl)

Course: Philosophy of Mind

Instructor: Prof. Shujat A. Aagha

Contact Info: shujatphil@hotmail.com

Course Description: This course provides an introductory exploration of the key concepts, debates, and theories in the philosophy of mind. Students will investigate questions related to the nature of consciousness, the mind-body problem, mental representation, and the self. Through readings, discussions, and critical analysis, students will gain a foundational understanding of this intriguing field.

Course Objectives:

• Understand fundamental concepts in the philosophy of mind, such as dualism, materialism, consciousness, intentionality, and personal identity.
• Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments related to the mind, assessing their strengths and weaknesses.
• Participate in class discussions and debates, applying critical thinking skills to articulate and assess various viewpoints.
• Develop the ability to construct clear, structured, and persuasive arguments concerning issues in the philosophy of mind.

Course Outline:

Introduction to Philosophy of Mind

• What philosophy of mind is?
• The Relevance of the Field

Problems in Philosophy of Mind

• The mind-body problem
• The Problem of Other Minds
• The problem of Free Will
• The Self and Personal Identity
• The Problem of Intentionality
• The Problem of Sleep
• Mental Causation and Epiphenomenalism
• The Unconscious
• Do Animals Have Minds?

The Turn to Materialism

• Behaviourism
• Methodological Behaviourism
• Logical Behaviourism
• Physicalism and the Identity Theory
• Functionalism

Arguments against Materialism

• Chinese Room Thought Experiment
• Zombie Argument
• Mary’s Room Thought Experiment

The Puzzle of Consciousness

• Easy Problems of Consciousness
• Hard Problems of Consciousness

Intentionality

• What Intentionality is?
• Intrinsic Intentionality
• Derived Intentionality

Qualia

• What it is after all?
• Key elements

Contemporary Issues in the Philosophy of Mind

• Recent developments in the field of philosophy of mind
• Daniel C. Dennet
• John R. Searle
• David Chalmers
• Andy Clark
• Applications of philosophy of mind in other fields

Assessment and Grading:

• Class participation, quizzes and assignments: 25%
• Midterm examination: 35%
• Final examination: 40%