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Phylosophy of Mind

PHIL 111 is a course on the Philosophy of Mind, exploring the nature of the mind, its relationship with the brain, and whether computers can think. The course includes readings from contemporary philosophers and covers topics like the mind-body problem and mental causation. Grading is based on various assignments, quizzes, and exams, with the final exam scheduled for December 14th.

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3 views1 page

Phylosophy of Mind

PHIL 111 is a course on the Philosophy of Mind, exploring the nature of the mind, its relationship with the brain, and whether computers can think. The course includes readings from contemporary philosophers and covers topics like the mind-body problem and mental causation. Grading is based on various assignments, quizzes, and exams, with the final exam scheduled for December 14th.

Uploaded by

tgb28970
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PHIL 111: Philosophy of Mind

Fall Semester, 2021


MWF 3:30 – 4:20
Room L107, Lafayette Hall

Philosophy of mind attempts to unravel the nature of the mind, both what a mind is and how creatures with
minds can have thoughts and feelings. Are minds simply masses of interconnected neurons we call brains?
If not, how are the mind and the brain related? If so, does that mean that a computer can’t think since
computers have no neurons? Or, if computers can think, can they have experiences like we do, feeling the
pain of a pin prick or the tickle of a feather? People and computers use languages; but are languages required
for thinking? Is the mind truly ‘inside the head’? This is a small sample of some of the questions addressed
in philosophy of mind.
The several essays we will read, almost entirely by contemporary philosophers, trace the evolution of views
on these questions. Much of the course will be devoted to the ontology of the mind, or to the mind-body
problem, i.e., trying to understand if or how mental things (minds, beliefs, feelings) are physical things. We
then take up the issue of whether computers can think and puzzles about mental causation and about the
location of the mind.

Instructor: Mark Moyer

Office: Room 205, 70 S. Williams St. (mailbox on ground floor)


(802) 656-3140

Hours: Mondays 1:05-2:05, Fridays 2:10-3:10, and by appointment (feel free to ask after class or
by email for a time that better fits your schedule of if you’d like to meet on Teams)

Email: Mark.Moyer@uvm.edu

Texts: Course pack available at the bookstore.


Web Site: http://www.uvm.edu/~mmmoyer/phil_111_f21/
The course syllabus (this sheet), the schedule of reading assignments, homework
assignments, etc. will all be posted on this web page.
Grading: Grades will be based on mini-assignments, surprise quizzes and Blackboard Discussion
Board interactions (10% total), homework assignments (40% total), a midterm exam (20%),
and a final exam (30%).
Final Exam: The final exam will be given on Tuesday, December 14th, 4:30-6:30
Late assignments will be counted down one sixth grade per calendar day (e.g., a B+ becomes
a B if two days late, a C+ if six days late). Please see or email me as soon as possible
(preferably ahead of time) if, due to some emergency, you will miss an assignment or need
an extension.
Academic Honesty: You are responsible for knowing UVM’s Code of Academic Integrity.

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