second year course outlines 2012-2013 - School of Social Sciences ...

Summary
We will focus on the metaphysics of mind. We will begin by looking at different accounts of
the
relationship between the mind and the body. After this, we will examine two key issues
raised by
these accounts of the mental: the possibility of mental causation and the nature of
consciousness.
Aims
This course aims to:
• give a detailed understanding of contemporary debates concerning the metaphysics of
mind;
• enable students to engage critically with some recent contributions to these debates; and
• enhance students’ powers of critical analysis, reasoning and independent thought.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course unit, students will be able to demonstrate:
• knowledge of debates concerning the metaphysics of mind;
• a thorough knowledge of some recent contributions to the debate; and
• an ability to present carefully argued and independent lines of thought in this area.
3. COURSE ORGANISATION
Lectures: Thursdays 12-2pm in Samuel Alexander Class Wing A112
Tutorials:
DAY & TIME LOCATION TEACHING ASSISTANT
Monday 10-11am Coupland 3 LG10
Monday 12-1pm Dover St BS5 Ben Matheson
Tutorials are weekly, starting in week 2. Attendance at tutorials is compulsory. It is studentsʼ
responsibility to ensure that they have been allocated to a tutorial group. Students may not
change
group without permission.
Work and attendance
The work and attendance requirements for this course are that you:
• Attend all tutorials
If you are absent from a tutorial through illness you should inform your tutor and fill in a
Certification of Student Ill Health (available from your department or from the SoSS UG
Office;
see you degree programme handbook for further details). If you are absent for another
reason
you should tell your tutor or the Philosophy Administrator, Caroline Harmer as soon as
possible – if possible, before the tutorial.
• Prepare adequately for tutorials
You will be set preparatory work for tutorials; see the study budget below for a guide to
roughly how long you should spend on this.
• Complete written work on time
Failure to complete assessed work by the due date constitutes a violation of the work and
attendance requirement.
Violations of work and attendance requirements will be reported to your Programme Director.
If
3
you have difficulties (e.g. personal, financial or family problems) that result in persistent
failure to
meet the work and attendance requirements, you should talk to your Programme Director or
Academic Advisor.
Text recommended for purchase:
Kim, J. 2011. Philosophy of Mind (3rd ed.) Westview: CO: Boulder.
It would be fine to purchase the 2nd edition of this book instead.
Course materials: Further materials will be made available on the courses Blackboard site.
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