Philosophy of mind
Graham Oppy
8 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
*
Prerequisites: First-year philosophy
Objectives On successfully completing the subject students should have an understanding of some of the basic problems in the philosophy of mind; they should also have a grasp of some main lines of solution to those problems. This should serve as a foundation for further work in cognitive theory.
Synopsis The central concern of this subject will be the nature of consciousness in humans. This will involve an examination of the major theories of the mind/body relationship, and also involve the question whether some kind of non-biological entity, such as a computer or an android, could reason, have feelings, or be a moral agent.
Assessment Two essays (2500 words each): 40% each
* Examination (1
hour): 20%
* Optional replacement of one essay by a 3-hour examination
Prescribed texts
Rosenthal D M (ed.) The nature of mind OUP, 1991
A collection of readings available from the Monash Bookshop
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