This course addresses fundamental questions regarding the nature of the human mind and thought. Students will be introduced to the leading 20th century theories of mind as well as critical responses to these theories. They will become acquainted with the works of philosophers such as J.J.C. Smart, Gilbert Ryle, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Daniel Dennett, Patricia and Paul Churchland, Jerry Fodor, Fred Dretske, Hillary Putnam, and others. Any 100-level philosophy course, any First Year Studies course taught by a member of the philosophy department, Neuroscience 200, or consent. An inquiry into issues and problems that are now at the center of philosophical attention.
Topics vary from semester to semester in accordance with current interests of students and faculty.
This seminar will involve a study and discussion of the basic concepts and contentions of Existentialism as they have developed primarily in the classic 19th and 20th Century literature of Existentialism philosophical and other. Topics such as alienation and authenticity, freedom and responsibility, morality vs. legality, good faith vs. bad faith, rationality and the absurd, God and meaninglessness will be investigated and confronted. Each student will be expected to use this seminar both as a basis for becoming closely acquainted with Existentialism, and as an occasion for coming to grips with and clarifying some of the fundamental value concerns of his or her existence. Any 100-level philosophy course, any First Year Studies course taught by a member of the philosophy department, or consent. A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit.