Time Schedule:
Carole J Lee
PHIL 463
Seattle Campus
Examination of current theories of the nature of the mind and mental processes.
Class description
This course will focus on the challenges faced in undertaking a science of consciousness that aims to integrate two seemingly immiscible domains of evidence: first-personal subjective experiences on the one hand, and third-personal data about behavior and brain processes on the other. We will consider the epistemic and explanatory gaps that seem to exist between these domains/levels; evaluate how these gaps challenge or support major reductive, eliminative, and non-reductive materialist theories of mind; and, contextualize how the philosophy of mind’s understanding of what would constitute an “explanation” for first-personal experiences has framed debates between competing theories of mind and mental content. TEXT: Philosophy of Mind: A Guide and Anthology, John Heil.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
