PHI 271
Neurophilosophy
Grinnell College · UGRD · Fall 2026
Catalog description
This course examines the current "neuroscientific image" of mind and person, investigating the conceptual and ethical issues it raises. Neurophilosophy involves both the application of neurobiological findings to philosophical questions and the application of philosophical critique to the findings of neuroscience. Questions include: What is the neural basis of mental representation, consciousness, and the self? Is psychology reducible to neurobiology? What legal and ethical issues attend the new techniques of neural monitoring and intervention? Prerequisite: Philosophy 111 or 121; courses in neuroscience may substitute for 111 with consent of the instructor. NEISSER.
Sections
Current meeting, instructor, credit, and enrollment details
01
FullSeats: 22/22 seats Last recorded: Aug 13, 2026, 3:48 PM- Days & times
- Mo We · 11:00 AM – 12:20 PM
- Meeting dates
- Aug 27 – Dec 18
- Location
- Humanities and Social Studies S2310
- Instructor
- Joe Neisser
Section notes
Writing intensive. Faculty will give substantial oral and/or written feedback to students on writing assignments and provide students with opportunities to apply that feedback to future assignments or revisions. At least 50% of the final grade is based on graded writing assignments.