Introduction to Philosophy of Mind:
Understanding the nature and scope of philosophy of mind as a branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of mental phenomena, consciousness, and the mind-body problem.
The Mind-Body Problem:
Examining philosophical theories and approaches to the mind-body problem, including substance dualism, property dualism, materialism, and idealism.
Analyzing challenges posed by the interaction between mental and physical states, the unity of consciousness, and the nature of mental causation.
Consciousness and Qualia:
Investigating philosophical theories of consciousness, including theories of phenomenal consciousness, access consciousness, and higher-order theories of consciousness.
Exploring the nature of subjective experience, qualia, and the problem of explaining the "what it's like" aspect of consciousness.
Theories of Mental Representation:
Examining theories of mental representation, including propositional attitudes, mental imagery, and conceptual frameworks for understanding the contents of the mind.
Analyzing debates about the nature of mental content, including representationalism, functionalism, and computational theories of mind.
Intentionality and Mental States:
Exploring the concept of intentionality in philosophy of mind, including theories of mental content and the directedness of mental states towards objects and properties.
Analyzing debates about the nature of beliefs, desires, intentions, and other mental states with representational content.
Identity and Personal Identity:
Investigating philosophical questions about personal identity, including the nature of the self, personal persistence over time, and the relationship between mental and bodily identity.
Analyzing theories of personal identity, including psychological continuity, narrative identity, and bodily continuity theories.
Agency and Free Will:
Reflecting on philosophical theories of agency and free will, including debates about determinism, indeterminism, compatibilism, and libertarianism.
Examining empirical research on decision-making, volition, and the neuroscience of free will.
The Nature of Emotions and Affective States:
Examining philosophical theories of emotions and affective states, including cognitive theories, bodily theories, and appraisal theories of emotion.
Analyzing the role of emotions in cognition, motivation, social interaction, and moral judgment.