Course Catalogue

Philosophy of Mind Non Honours PHIL3013

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 3 (SCQF level 9)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will introduce students to a number of major issues in the contemporary philosophy of mind. It will look at the main positions and arguments within each topic, and enable students to deploy these arguments for themselves.

Timetable

16x1hr lectures; 4x1hr seminars over eleven weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

This is one of the Level 3 options in Philosophy and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Grade D3 or above in one of the Philosophy level 2 courses or at the discretion of the Head of Philosophy. 

Excluded Courses

PHIL4030 Philosophy of Mind.

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:  

 

 

■ Essay (1,800 words) - 40%

■ Examination (2-hour duration) - 60%

  

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

  

 

■ There is no alternative to the Essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

 

■ There is no alternative to the Written Examination, but extra time and/or a separate room may be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for examination adjustments).  

 

  

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor 

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ study a number of major issues in contemporary Philosophy of Mind;

■ study and critically engage with core positions and arguments within the area, such as: dualism; behaviourism; identity theories; functionalism;

■ Compare and critically evaluate competing explanations of central mental phenomena.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Explain the main theses of important philosophical theories of mind;

■ Assess the arguments offered both in support of and against the central theories;

■ Explain and critically evaluate explanations of mental phenomena.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions