The Mind, The Brain, and Consciousness

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• debate and criticise ideas and arguments in an even-handed fashion.
• express views clearly and concisely.
• work effectively to deadlines.
• undertake independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources.
• contribute to discussion in a critical but dispassionate way.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions
• articulate and defend your own views regarding the issues the module concerns.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the central doctrines of contemporary philosophy of mind
• how to evaluate and compare these doctrines by reference to their capacity to account for key elements in our understanding of the mind, science and nature.

The syllabus may vary from year to year. Topics may include:

1) Dualism: is the mind an immaterial substance?

2) Behaviourism: is the mind reducible to behaviour?

3) Identity Theory: is the mind the brain?

4) Functionalism: are mental states functional states?

5) Mental Causation: can we make sense of the common-sense notion that mental states cause behaviour?

6) Consciousness: can we make sense of the familiar fact that some mental states are conscious?

7) Externalism about the Mind: what is the relationship between mind and world? Are mental states “in the head”?

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• In class discussion
• One to one consultation with the module coordinator

Learning activities include:

• Attending classes
• Contributing to class discussion
• Preparing for and giving presentations
• Preparing for and taking the exam

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Presentation

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Students will receive verbal and/or written feedback on the practice presentation. Students have the opportunity to receive further feedback from the module co-ordinator on any aspect of their performance during office hours or by appointment.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: Yes

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.