Module description
This module will address a cluster of interrelated advanced metaphysical and methodological issues in the philosophy of mind including: the nature of explanation and explanatory “gaps”, the metaphysics of physical and phenomenal properties, the role of science in the philosophy of mind, and modal arguments.
Assessment details
- Summative assessment: 1x 3,500-word essay (100%)
- Formative assessment: 1x 2,000–3,000-word essay
Educational aims & objectives
The module will provide students with an understanding of some cutting-edge debates in the philosophy of mind and with an appreciation of broader methodological issues relevant to the philosophy of mind and beyond.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable, and practicable skills appropriate to a Level 7 module. They will be able to think critically about debates in the philosophy of mind.
Teaching pattern
One one-hour weekly lecture and one one-hour weekly seminar
Suggested reading list
- “The Ground Between the Gaps”, Jonathan Schaffer (2017)
- “Powerful qualities, the conceivability argument and the nature of the physical”, Henry Taylor (2017)
- “Powers and the hard problem of consciousness: conceivability, possibility and powers”, Sophie Allen (2022)
- “The Meta-Problem of Consciousness”, David Chalmers (2018)
- “Real Patterns”, Daniel Dennett (1991)
- “Panpsychism”, Thomas Nagel
“The hornswoggle problem”, Patricia Churchland (1996)