Module PHL2010A for 2021/2
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
PHL2010A: Philosophy of Mind 1
This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.
Module Aims
This module aims to present and discuss conceptual issues that arise when one tries to understand what the mind is. It analyzes the mind-body problem in its various facets: how it emerged, what it implies, and whether and how it can be overcome. At the end of the course, students will be familiar with major, classic and contemporary views, including "substance dualism", "property dualism", "behaviourism", "identity theory", "instrumentalism", "functionalism", "eliminativism", and "extended mind".
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Present and discuss several philosophical notions of "mind" 2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various proposed solutions to the mind-body problem |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. Summarize and discuss several philosophical theories 4. Demonstrate knowledge of essential philosophical concepts 5. Break down philosophical arguments and evaluate them 6. Present and justify their own philosophical views with appropriate arguments |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. Communicate ideas clearly and appropriately by written and oral means 8. Discuss abstract ideas in a clear and competent way 9. Engage critically with the assigned readings 10. Engage productively in group discussion |
Module Content
Syllabus Plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Descartes' mind/body dualism.
- Behaviourism.
- Identity theory.
- Functionalism.
- Eliminativism.
- Instrumentalism.
- Consciousness.
- Extended Mind.
Learning and Teaching
This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 21.5 | 128.5 |
...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 16.5 | Weekly 1.5 hour lectures. Lectures provide you with a broad overview of types and ways of social analysis; they cover more ground than is possible in tutorials, and are designed to establish a context in which to think about the issues discussed in tutorials. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 5 | Fortnightly tutorials. A specific reading is assigned, and you are provided with a list of key issues to identify and discuss for each tutorial. Texts are carefully chosen as classic exemplars of the core course themes. |
| Guided independent study | 45 | Preparation for essay, library, research etc. |
| Guided independent study | 83.5 | Private study |
Online Resources
This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).
ELE - http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
Indicative Reading List
This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.
A range of papers/chapters will be made available to students at the beginning of the module.
A comprehensive anthology that includes several of the assigned readings is:
* J. Heil, Philosophy of Mind: A Guide and Anthology, Oxford University Press, 2004.
