Philosophy of Mind

Catalog description

This course is a survey of philosophical problems raised by the human mind. Some of these problems are Phenomenological (i.e. what distinguishes perception from thought?) Some are Metaphysical (i.e., Can mentality be understood in purely physical terms?) Some are Epistemological (how can one know the beliefs of other persons?) In any case, the aim of the course is to familiarize the student with the major positions that have emerged on such questions. Readings and topics will be drawn from Psychology and Evolutionary Biology as well as from standard Philosophical sources.