Tutorial: Theories of Consciousness in Early Modern Philosophy

Catalog description

Tutorial taught by grad student. Enrollment limited to 10. What is consciousness? Are all thoughts conscious? Is consciousness the same as reflection? What is the difference between conscious and unconscious mental states? In this class, we'll see how philosophers (Descartes, Locke, Leibniz, Kant) from the early modern period responded to these questions and revolutionized our conception of the mind. Readings will be drawn from both primary texts and secondary literature. Towards the end of the class, we'll connect the historical ideas with some of the most important issues in contemporary philosophy of mind and cognitive science. This class will be of interest to a wide range of students: philosophers, historians, psychologists, and cognitive scientists.