Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CONSCIOUSNESS
Code PHIL709
Coordinator Prof RM Gaskin
Philosophy
Richard.Gaskin@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

To give students a detailed grasp of some of the most significant debates in contemporary philosophy of mind. To enable students to engage at advanced level with the topics of consciousness, perception and artificial intelligence.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to appreciate the background context to current debates in the philosophy of mind.

(LO2) Students will be able to explain and assess the strengths and weaknesses of relevant competing doctrines, such as those concerning physicalism, dualism, functionalism, consciousness, perception and artificial intelligence.

(S1) Information literacy online, finding, interpreting, evaluating, managing and sharing information

(S2) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

(S3) Students will enhance their abilities in the reading and analysis of complex texts

(S4) Students will develop their skills in thinking critically and analysing arguments with clarity, precision and rigour

(S5) Students will develop their capacities to marshall and structure arguments in academic form

(S6) Students will develop their skills in time management

(S7) Students will enhance their skills in oral debate about complex and controversial matters

(S8) Students will enhance their capacity to participate, respectfully and reflectively, in debates about controversial and profound matters


Syllabus

 

Indicative content would include: 1. Overview of Issues. 2. Dualism. 3. Identity Theory. 4. Behaviourism and Functionalism. 5. Perception. INDEPENDENTSTUDY WEEK 6:  No Lectures and No Seminars in Philosophy 7. Propositional Attitudes. 8. Consciousness: characterizations. 9. Consciousness: current work on the 'hard problem'. 10. Mind and Self. 11. Artificial Intelligence I. 12. Artificial intelligence II.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Seminar
Description: 11 x 1 hour seminars
Attendance Recorded: Yes

a) mixed, hybrid delivery, with social distancing on campus: seminars on-campus

(b) fully online delivery and assessment: seminars on-line

(c) standard on campus delivery with minimal social distancing: seminars on-campus


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   11

        11
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 139
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Essay There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.  3,000 words    100       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.