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 MIND, BRAIN AND CONSCIOUSNESS
Code PHIL309
Coordinator Prof BF Dainton
Philosophy
Bdainton@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims
To give students an understanding of the main developments in twentieth century analytic philosophy of mind: dualism, behaviourism, identity theory and functionalism.

To give students a grasp of cutting-edge debates in philosophy of mind concerning (i) the place of consciousness in nature, (ii) the relationship between consciousness and thought, (iii) artificial intelligence.

Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to explain the history of twentieth century analytic philosophy of mind.

Students should be able to explain cutting edge contemporary debates on (i) the place of consciousness in nature, (ii) the relationship between thought and consciousness, (iii) artificial intelligence.

Students should be able to build a case for a specific view concerning (i) the place of consciousness in nature, (ii) the relationship between thought and consciousenss, (iii) aritificial intelligence.

Students should be able to explain the main strengths and weaknesses of dominent theories on these three things in the philosophical literature.

Students should further develop their abilities to extract arguments from texts, render them in schematic form, and assess the soundness of their premises and the validity of their structures.

Students should be able to think more creatively about the relationship between thought, consciousness and the physical world.

Syllabus
1 

What is Physicalism?

Varieties of Physicalism: Behaviourism, Functionalism and Identity Theory.

Varieties of Physicalism: Type A and Type B.

Conceivability Arguments against Physicalism.

Russellian Monism.

The Combination Problem.

Thought and Consciousness.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture - 11 x 1 hour lectures. Lectures map out the syllabus and provide a framework for further independent research.

Seminar - 11 x 1 hour seminar. Seminars are student-led in small groups. Set discussion texts relevant to the lecture structure are provided and are to be read in advance.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11
11 x 1 hour lectures. Lectures map out the syllabus and provide a framework for further independent research.
11
11 x 1 hour seminar. Seminars are student-led in small groups. Set discussion texts relevant to the lecture structure are provided and are to be read in advance.
        22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  120  1  60  Yes    Assessment 3 Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessed presentation (10%). It is not possible for assessed presentations to be marked anonymously.  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Practical Assessment  10-15 minute present  1 - mid  10  No reassessment opportunity    Assessment 1 There is no reassessment opportunity, Presentations are done in class and there is no re-sit opportunity. 
Coursework  2,000 word essay  1  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: