PART I: COURSE DESCRIPTION WQ12 COURSE DESCRIPTION ...

PART I: COURSE DESCRIPTION WQ12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this seminar we will explore several themes that have recently
emerged in two recently-published books (one by Tamar Gendler, the other edited by Robin
Jeshion). We will be exploring (i) the nature of singular thought, (ii) the nature of belief, and
(iii) the nature of imagination and its use in philosophical argumentation. In the course of this
we will also have occasion to discuss such matters as mind-world relations, perceptual
demonstration, self-deception, and how belief relates to action.
COURSE TITLE: “Issues in Philosophy of Mind: Singularity, Belief, and the Imagination”
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Students in this course will be expected to read the materials weekly,
participate actively in class discussion, and produce one journal-quality article-length term-paper
(approximately 15-20 double-spaced pages) on a topic emerging from our discussions.
TEACHING METHOD: Seminar-style discussion.
EVALUATION METHOD: The students’ grades will be determined by class participation (10% of
total grade) and the final term paper (90% of total grade).
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS: Students must be graduate students at Northwestern, or else
must get the instructor’s permission.
READING LIST: See below.
BOOK 1
Title: New Essays on Singular Thought
Author or editor: Robin Jeshion
BOOK 2
Title: Intuition, Imagination, and Philosophical Methodology
Author or editor: Tamar Szabó Gendler

Desk Copies
Do you wish for me to Order Desk copies for you? ***** Yes, I would like a desk copy
of both of these books – many thanks! ****
I will automatically order desk copies for classes having TAs only.
If you do not have a TA but wish for me to order a desk copy for you, please do let me
know.