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Philosophy of Mind

Students who take this course can expect to: 1) Become familiar with central debates in the philosophy of mind, focusing especially on the nature of mind/mentality, its relation to the body, and on consciousness. 2) Understand and evaluate theories that address key problems in the philosophy of mind. We will focus on current research, but we will also keep an eye toward historical context. 3) Recognize and appreciate the relation between science and philosophy, especially as it relates to the mind. 4) Deepen one’s understanding of oneself as both embodied and conscious, and of the relation between mind and self. 5) Develop skill in reading comprehension, critical analysis, and effective communication in classroom discussion and through academic writing.