Module Directory

This module examines different ways of understanding the mind, mental states, mental processes, and mental abilities.

We will begin with a survey of different positions that have been taken on the so-called mind-body problem, considering various forms of dualism, behaviourism, mind-body identity theory, functionalism, anomalous monism and eliminative materialism. We will consider accounts of the role of the mind in (a) judgment and (b) action. We will use philosophical resources to examine some classic disturbances of the mind such as hallucinations and delusions. We will consider the phenomenon of mind-reading (which is not confined to magic shows and carnivals!), and conclude with a consideration of the laws distinctive interest in the mental - whether in considering a person's intent to commit a crime, the presence or absence of mental disorder, or what is known in law as mental capacity.

The aim of this module is:

• To introduce students to central issues and developments in the philosophy of mind.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Reconstruct the philosophical positions in philosophy of mind that they have studied.


2. Begin to critically evaluate the strategies and positions of metaphysical or epistemological approaches to issues such as the mind, mental states, mental processes, and mental abilities.


3. Begin to form their own opinions on the positions and strategies others have suggested to make sense of issues such as the mind, mental states, mental processes, and mental abilities.

Skills for your Professional Life (Transferable Skills)

By the end of this module, students should also have acquired a set of transferable skills, and in particular be able to:

1. Process diverse (and sometimes conflicting) arguments and empirical studies.


2. Compare and evaluate different arguments.


3. Write and present verbally a succinct and precise account of strategies, arguments, and their presuppositions and implications.


4. Engage in independent reading.


5. Be sensitive to the positions of others and communicate their own views in ways that are accessible to them.

This module examines different ways of understanding the mind, mental states, mental processes, and mental abilities. We will begin with a survey of different positions that have been taken on the so-called mind-body problem, considering various forms of dualism, behaviourism, mind-body identity theory, functionalism, anomalous monism and eliminative materialism. We will consider accounts of the role of the mind in (a) judgment and (b) action. We will use philosophical resources to examine some classic disturbances of the mind such as hallucinations and delusions. We will consider the phenomenon of mind-reading (which is not confined to magic shows and carnivals!), and conclude with a consideration of the laws distinctive interest in the mental – whether in considering a person’s intent to commit a crime, the presence or absence of mental disorder, or what is known in law as mental capacity.

This module tackles a range of philosophical problems, theories and arguments that pertain to the mind. Content varies from year to year, but includes attention to: the relationship between the mind and the body; the nature of consciousness; the role of the mind in perception, judgement and action. Additional topics explored in any given year may include: the structure of self-consciosness; the nature of intelligence and the possibility of artificial intelligence; the phenomenon of mind-reading; the understanding of mind as it figures in core legal concepts such as mens rea, intent, decision-making capacity, and insanity. Readings are taken both from historical sources and from the best of recent research.