Philosophy 3

This class is an introduction to the fundamental issues in the study of mind. What is a mind? What are mental states such as beliefs and desires and perceptions? Should we explain what they are in terms of behavior, their connections to other mental states or the way it feels to be in that mental state? How is the mind related to the body? What is consciousness? Is there room for consciousness within a scientific worldview? What must our mental states be like if they are to allow for genuine knowledge of the external world? In this class, we will learn about Dualism, Behaviorism, Identity Theory, Functionalism, and also look at powerful challenges that have been posed to each of these views. This is an introductory class in philosophy and so we will also learn the basic tools of philosophical thinking and writing. No prerequisites.