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Body and Mind - PHL262

This unit 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 unit consists of a survey of competing philosophical theories of the mind: dualism, behaviourism, the identity theory, and functionalism. The second half consists 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: 3
When Offered:

S2 Day - Session 2, North Ryde, Day

S2 External - Session 2, External (On-campus dates: None)

Staff Contact(s): Dr Elizabeth Schier
Prerequisites:

12cp or admission to GDipArts Prerequisite Information

Corequisites:

NCCW(s): PHIL262, PHI220
Unit Designation(s):

Science

Unit Type:
Assessed As: Graded
Offered By:

Department of Philosophy

Faculty of Arts

Timetable Information

For unit timetable information and session dates for external offerings please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website