Topics in philosophy of mind

Basic Information

Course 2014/2015
Lecturer
David Pineda
Semester
2nd.
Department
Department of Philosophy
University
Universitat de Girona
Module
Module 6. Theories of Rationality
Code
570636
Credits
5
Language
English

Dates

Schedule
Tue. 11-14
Location
Room 401, Facultat de Filosofia, UB

Description

In this course we will discuss emotions. We will first examine the main extant theories on the nature of emotion, including: cognitivist theories, the James-Lange theory, evolutionary approaches, psychological constructionism, the embodied appraisals theory (Prinz) and the multidimensional appraisal theory. Next we will discuss the role of emotion in the explanation of intentional action and the role of emotion in moral and aesthetic judgments. Other topics covered include: the phenomenology and intentionality of emotion, the rationality of emotion, theories of valence and theories of mood.

Although the course is philosophy oriented, we will also take into account relevant scientific evidence and theories (both from psychological and neuroscientific affective studies).

The structure of the course will be as follows: in the first part of the course (five sessions) the teacher will offer a general introduction to the topics above described with a bibliographical selection. The remaining sessions will be devoted to the discussion of a list of readings which will be given on the first day.

A detailed program will be presented on the first day of class.

Evaluation

· Paper of 4000 words which should be due by the end of June. After the five introductory sessions, the professor will distribute a list of topics together with a bibliographical selection for each topic. Topics other than those in the list may also be considered but need to be consulted with the professor.

· Participation in the discussion sessions of the readings will also be taken into account.

 

Intended Learning Outcomes: 

CB6 – Students should be able to critically understand central texts in the philosophy of mind in a way that puts them in a position to develop and apply original ideas.

CB7 - Students should be able to integrate the knowledge acquired to interdiciplinar areas related to the studies of the mind.

CB9 - Students should be able to communicate their knowledge and their arguments to specialized audiences in a clear and articulate way.

CB10 - Students should acquire the learning skills necessary in order to carry on further their studies and research in a largely autonomous and self-directed way.

CG1 - Students should critically assess and evaluate arguments and develop sound arguments of their own; and they should also be able to detect logical fallacies. 

CG5 - Students should be able to identify methodological errors, rhetorical, conventional and uncritical assumptions, vagueness and superficiality.

CE1 - Students should be able to critically engage with the concepts and methods of contemporary philosophy of mind.

CE3 - Students should be able to correctly identify central arguments and positions in contemporary practical philosophy.

CE4 - Students should be able to assess the writings of leading contemporary philosophers in the field of philosophy and the cognitive sciences.

CE7 - Students should be able to critically use specialized terminology in the field of philosophy of philosophy of mind.