Topics in Philosophy of Mind
PHIL 381
Fall 2008 not offered
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This course may be repeated for credit. |
This year's seminar will examine the debate between "modularism" and "globalism" in philosophy and the cognitive sciences. Traditionally, philosophers have tended to view the mind as a single thing--a single substance, theater of awareness, or general-purpose cognitive organ. This "globalist" view has historically been supported by some major figures in psychology and neuroscience as well. Recent work in brain imaging, trauma studies, neural probes, cognitive ethology and cognitive/developmental psychology, however, have led many researchers to the opposite conclusion: that the mind is not a general-purpose organ, but a collection of special-purpose "modules." This course will examine various types of arguments for globalist and modularist views of mind and brain, and will explore philosophical frameworks for conceptualizing the complexity that we are discovering there. |
Essential Capabilities:
None |
Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA PHIL |
Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: PHIL286 OR PHIL289 |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (PHIL)(PHIL-Philosophy)(PHIL-Social Jus) |
Major Readings:
Several book-length works. Readings will vary from year to year.
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Examinations and Assignments: Weekly written synopses of readings. One term paper. Regular participation in class discussions. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments: This course requires permission of instructor. It is always offered as a seminar for philosophy majors, who should take PHIL286 or PHIL289 before taking this course. In some years, it will also be appropriate for students with advanced background in one or more of the sciences of cognition (neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, computer science). Students should visit the instructor's website at registration time to find more definite information on the topic and readings. |
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