2009 Course Handbook
PHIL262: Body and Mind
This course explores the relationship between the body and the mind. It introduces students to the central issues in contemporary philosophy of mind, focusing on the issue of whether the mind can be incorporated into the scientific picture of the world. The first part of the course will consist of a survey of competing philosophical theories of the mind: dualism, behaviourism, the identity theory, and functionalism. The second half will consist of a discussion of some topical issues in contemporary philosophy of mind and cognitive science. What is the nature of phenomenal (subjective) experience? Is a physical theory of consciousness possible? Is there a language of thought? If so, what is its nature? How do mental states represent the world? Does neurophysiology show us that common-sense psychology is scientifically dispensable?
| Credit Points: | 4 |
| Contact Hours: | 3 |
| When Offered: |
D2 - Day; Offered in the second half-year
X2 - External study; Offered in the second half-year (On Campus session: No session) |
| Staff Contact: | Professor Peter Menzies |
| Prerequisites: | 12cp or admission to GDipPhil |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCWs: | PHIL362 |
| Unit Designations: | Science |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: |
Department of Philosophy |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website.