Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind

What will you learn. How to cut through the philosophical jargon and clearly explain the main theories in Western Philosophy regarding the nature of the mind and body and how they interact. How to critique the theories advanced in the Philosophy of Mind, such as substance dualism and reductive physicalism.

Identify how philosophical theories in the Philosophy of Mind often echo other parts of culture, such as religious attitudes and developments in science. Who is this course for. This course gives an introduction to the Philosophy of Mind and can be studied by those who have never studied Philosophy before.

It will appeal to those who are simply interested in the topic; those teaching the topic who want fresh ideas on how to explain the Philosophy of Mind, or those wanting to take an A level qualification in Philosophy. What does the course cover. Philosophy of Mind asks important questions about what it is to be human.

Among other questions it asks if we are two things: body and soul, or whether we are only one. It asks what the role of consciousness is in our lives and whether science can explain it. It tries to find the right analogy for humans: do we process problems like computers, or are we biological machines piloted by our spirits.