Philosophy of Mind I

Module description

This module focusses on some core questions in the metaphysics of mind. We begin with the mind-body problem: dualism, identity theories, functionalism, and anomalous monism. We then move on to the metaphysics of perception; sense datum theories, indirect realism, content theories, and naïve realism.

Assessment details

When this module is taught in the Autumn term (Semester 1), there will be alternative assessment for Study Abroad students at King's for Semester 1 only.

FULL YEAR Study Abroad students:
Summative assessment: Brief, 800 words (30%); Unseen written exam, 2 hours (70%).

SEMESTER 1-ONLY Study Abroad students: 
Summative assessment: Brief, 800 words (30%); Essay, 3500 words (70%) due in Assessment Period 1 (January).

 

Formative assessment: NONE

Educational aims & objectives

The Philosophy of Mind module aims to give students the intellectual equipment to investigate for themselves the issues mentioned in the module description above on the basis of careful reading of, and critical reflection upon, the key writings in the area.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, the students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to a level-7 module and in particular will be able to demonstrate that they have:

• developed a capacity for philosophical argument about the mind and mental phenomena
• acquired a knowledge of some of the key philosophical writings about the nature of mind
• understood the nature of some of the central problems in the philosophy of mind
• encountered and evaluated a number of attempts to solve the philosophical problems under discussion
• acquired an understanding of how problems in philosophy of mind relate to broader philosophical debates in the areas of logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics
• acquired an ability to relate the questions discussed to the work of philosophers studied in other modules
• been encouraged to read with great care and reflected upon some difficult texts as well as introductory and secondary material.

Teaching pattern

One weekly one-hour lecture and one weekly one-hour seminar over 10 weeks.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.