phi3mbm minds, brains, and machines
MINDS, BRAINS, AND MACHINES: CONTEMPORARY PHILOSOPHY OF MIND
PHI3MBM
2016
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
What is the mind and what is it made of? Can we say that mind and brain are the same thing? Are mental states, like thoughts and feelings, nothing more than brain states? Can machines be conscious? Do they have a mind? Do they think? Is language necessary for thinking? These and other questions will be the focus of this subject, which introduces students to contemporary philosophy of mind and to the philosophical underpinnings of contemporary cognitive science, psychology and linguistics.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorYuri Cath
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects PHI2MBM
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Identify the underlying issues in a complex problem or controversial debate, analyse their structure and employ appropriate reasoning strategies designed to resolve the problem.
- Activities:
- Essays, on-line and/or individual, class and study group learning activities.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
02. Identify, formulate, analyse and judge the success of standard form and text-based arguments, using appropriate methods of analysis and critical reasoning.
- Activities:
- Essays, on-line and/or individual, class and study group learning activities.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
03. Locate, review, analyse and synthesise unfamiliar ideas and lines of argument with an open mind and willingness to question and revise assumptions and change one's own views when appropriate.
- Activities:
- Essays, on-line and/or individual, class and study group learning activities.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
04. Write a carefully constructed essay in support of a philosophical claim.
- Activities:
- Essay writing, modelling, feedback on essay.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2016, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorYuri Cath
Class requirements
SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
---|---|---|---|
Essay, 2000 words | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
Essay, 2000 words | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |