PHIL 1153-10 (86530)
The Meaning of Mind
Fall 2014
TR 12:45-2PM
Gelman 608
Course Web-Site:
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Tadeusz Zawidzki
Office Hours:TR 11AM-12PM, or by appointment.
Office: Phillips Hall 519
Phone: 994-6444
E-Mail:
Course Objectives:
The sciences of the mind are proliferating at an accelerating pace. Developmental psychology, comparative psychology, cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, social psychology, linguistics, artificial intelligence, cognitive neuroscience, and neuroeconomics are all rapidly growing, established sciences, generating thousands of discoveries about the mind every year. At the same time, the nature of the human mind is one of the oldest questions of philosophy. For example, Plato, the earliest author with substantial surviving works to write systematically about philosophical issues in the Western tradition, devoted considerable attention to the nature of the mind, and many of his ideas continue to be influential. This course will introduce students with no background in philosophy or the sciences of the mind to the central questions, assumptions and hypotheses about the human mind. Subjects covered include: the nature of thought, the nature of consciousness, the relationship between the mind and the brain, the implications of the sciences of the mind for freedom of the will and responsibility, the nature of the self, and our knowledge of other minds.
TEXTS:
- Mandik, Pete 2014. This Is Philosophy of Mind. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Various texts available on-line.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
As a result of completing this course, students will be able to:
- Grasp the basic problems raised by the philosophy and science of the mind.
- Explain and critically evaluate contemporary theories of mental phenomena.
- Discuss contemporary theories of mental phenomena in a seminar setting.
- Collaborate in teams to lead discussion in a seminar setting.
- Conduct independent research into the philosophy and science of the mind.
- Formulate a thesis and plan out a 12-15-page term paper on the philosophical issues raised by some mental phenomenon.
- Create and deliver a 10-minute Powerpoint presentation on their term paper topic.
- Write a 12-15-page term paper on the philosophical issues raised by some mental phenomenon.
Course Requirements:
Students are evaluated on the basis of 7 criteria: one term paper worth 25 points, one class presentation worth 10 points, 5 points for constructive criticisms of other students’ presentations, one term paper proposal worth 5 points, 10 reading responses worth a total of 40 points, one “group discussion /debate” worth a total of 10 points,and 5 points for participation. Students can earn a total of 100 points.
The term paper is a 12-15 page analytical essay dealing with some problem area covered in class. It must go into more depth than we go into in the class, demonstrating independent research of writings not covered in class (e.g., papers cited in the readings we discuss). Proposals for term papers must be submitted by 11/11/14, and each student must give a 10-minute Powerpoint presentation on his/her project in the last 2 weeks of class (students must sign up for these dates on a first come, first serve basis). Students have the option of running a draft of their presentation by me up to one week before it is scheduled. Students are expected to post constructive criticisms of other students’ presentations to the Blackboard discussion board. To get the full 5 points for this, students must post original, constructive criticisms of 5 different presentations.
There are 12 meetings in which I lecture on the text. To insure that students are doing the readings, students must submit summaries of the readings, no longer than two, double-spaced pages, on the day each reading is discussed. These are worth 4 points each.I will drop the 2 lowest-graded responses.
The 25 students will be grouped in 11 discussion groups. Each group will lead discussion/debate about one topic (see outline of readings below). Each student can earn a total of 10 points for their role in the discussion/debate. Student-led discussion will not begin until the fifth class, 9/9/14. This will give students a chance to get a feel for leading discussions by observing me in the first two weeks. It will also give students a chance to form their own discussion groups (more details below).
The class participation grade is based on attendance, in-class discussion, postings to the on-line discussion board (over and above presentation critiques), and/or discussions with me outside of class.
GRADE KEY:
PointsLetter
Presentation10/10A
9/10A-
8/10B-
7/10C-
6/10D-
5/10F
Term Paper25/25A
24/25A
23/25A-
22/25B+
21/25B
20/25B-
19/25C
18/25C-
17/25D+
16/25D
15/25D-
14/25F
Final Grade93-100A
90-92A-
87-89B+
83-86B
80-82B-
77-79C+
73-76C
70-72C-
67-69D+
63-66D
60-62D-
59 and belowF
CLASS POLICIES:
Late work: Loss of 1/3 grade point (e.g., A -> A-), for every calendar day late. Exceptions granted for documented medical or family emergencies, and religious holidays (with prior notification).
Make-up exams: Permitted only in case of documented medical or family emergency.
Religious holidays: Absence for class and late submission of assignments permitted with at least one week’s notice.
Absent students must let the instructor know ahead of time that they will not attend a class. Absent students should keep up with the readings, lectures, and assignments by consulting the Blackboard course website, and e-mailing the instructor.
NOTE: For university policies on teaching, see
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
I personally support the GW Code of Academic Integrity. It states: “Academic dishonesty is defined as cheating of any kind, including misrepresenting one’s own work, taking credit for the work of others without crediting them and without appropriate authorization, and the fabrication of information”. For the remainder of the code, see:
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES (DSS)
Any student who may need an accommodation based on the potential impact of a disability should contact the Disability Support Services office at 202-994-8250 in the Marvin Center, Suite 242, to establish eligibility and to coordinate reasonable accommodations. For additional information please refer to:
UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER (UCC) 202-994-5300
The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers 24/7 assistance and referral to address students’ personal, social, career, and study skills problems. Services for students include:
- crisis and emergency mental health consultations
- confidential assessment, counseling services (individual and small group), and referrals
-help with writing and research
DISCUSSION GROUPS
Class will be split into 10 groups of 2 or 3. Each group will team-lead a discussion/debate about one topic during the course of the semester. You have until Thursday, 9/4/14, to organize yourself into groups of 2 or 3. As soon as you have a group together, email me. You will be given a choice of date to discuss/debate a topic from the schedule below in the order in which you notify me that your group is formed. Those later to form groups will have less choice, and probably end up having to discuss/debate sooner. If you can’t find a group, email me your name, and I will link you with others in your predicament.
Outline of Readings and Class Discussions:
(This outline is not firm. Depending on the progress made in class, topics may 'straddle' the sections outlined here, and some topics may be omitted.)
8/26 – Introduction.
8/28 – Meet your Mind. Read: Mandik, Chapter One.
9/2 – More on mind. Read: Mandik’s online suggestions.
9/4 – Substance Dualism. Read: Mandik, Chapter Two.
9/9–Substance Dualism: Group 1 Debates. Read: Mandik’s online suggestions.
9/11–Property Dualism. Read: Mandik, Chapter Three.
9/16–Property Dualism: Group 2 Debates. Read: Mandik’s online suggestions.
9/18 – Class cancelled.
9/23–Idealism, Solipsism, Panpsychism. Read: Mandik, Chapter Four.
9/25 – Idealism Solipsism, Panpsychism: Group 3 Debates. Read: Mandik’s online suggestions.
9/30 – Behaviorism and Other Minds. Read: Mandik, Chapter Five.
10/2 – Behaviorism and Other Minds: Group 4 Debates.Read: Mandik’s online suggestions.
10/7 – Mind as Brain. Read: Mandik, Chapter Six.
10/9 – Mind as Brain: Group 5 Debates.Read: Mandik’s online suggestions.
10/14 – Thinking Machines. Read: Mandik, Chapter Seven.
10/16 – Thinking Machines: Group 6 Debates.Read: Mandik’s online suggestions.
10/21 – Functionalism. Read: Mandik, Chapter Eight.
10/23 – Functionalism: Group 7 Debates.Read: Mandik’s online suggestions.
10/28 – Mental Causation. Read: Mandik, Chapter Nine.
10/30 – Mental Causation. Group 8 Debates. Read: Mandik’s online suggestions.
11/4 – .Eliminative Materialism. Read: Mandik, Chapter Ten.
11/6 – Eliminative Materialism: Group 9 Debates.Read: Mandik’s online suggestions.
11/11 – The Will: Willpower and Freedom. Read: Mandik, Chapter Twelve.Term Paper Proposal Collected!!!
11/13 – The Will: Willpower and Freedom: Group 10 Debates.Read: Mandik’s online suggestions.
11/18 – Personal Identity, the Self, & Life after Death. Read Mandik, Chapter Fifteen.
11/20 – Personal Identity, The Self, & Life after Death: Group 11 Debates.Read: Mandik’s online suggestions.
11/25 – Presentations 1-8.
11/27 – Class cancelled for Thanksgiving.
12/2 – Make up Day: Presentations 9-16.
12/4 –Presentations 17-25.
TERM PAPER COLLECTED on scheduled date of Final Exam!!!
Classroom Emergency Preparedness and Response Information
To Report an Emergency or Suspicious Activity
Call the University Police Department at 202-994-6111 (Foggy Bottom) or 202-242-6111 (Mount Vernon). If the line is unavailable or you are calling from another University location, dial 911.
Shelter in Place – General Guidance
Although it is unlikely that we will ever need to shelter in place, it is helpful to know what to do just in case. No matter where you are on campus, the basic steps of shelter in place will generally remain the same:
- If you are inside, stay where you are unless the building you are in is affected. If it is affected, you should evacuate. If you are outdoors, proceed into the closest GW building or follow instructions from emergency personnel on scene.
- Shelter-in-place in an interior room, above ground level, and with the fewest windows. If sheltering in a room with windows, keep away from the windows. If there is a large group of people inside a particular building, several rooms maybe necessary.
- Shut and lock all windows (locking will form a tighter seal) and close exterior doors.
- Turn off air conditioners, heaters, and fans. Close vents to ventilation systems as you are able. (Facilities staff will turn off ventilation systems as quickly as possible).
- Make a list of the people with you and call the list in to UPD so they know where you are sheltering.
- Visit GW Campus Advisories for incident updates or call the GW Information Line 202-994-5050. If possible, turn on a radio or television and listen for further instructions. If your e-mail address or mobile device is registered with Alert DC, check for alert notifications.
- Make yourself comfortable and look after one other. You will get word as soon as it is safe to come out.
Evacuation
An evacuation will be considered if the building we are in is affected or we must move to a location of greater safety. We will always evacuate if the fire alarm sounds. In the event of an evacuation, please gather your personal belongings quickly (purse, keys, cell phone, GWorld card, etc.) and proceed to the nearest exit. (INSERT TWO WAYS OUT OF THE BUILDING HERE). Do not use the elevator.
Once we have evacuated the building, proceed to our primary rendezvous location (INSERT PRIMARY INDOOR RENDEZVOUS LOCATION HERE). In the event that this location is unavailable, we will meet at (INSERT SECONDARY INDOOR RENDEZVOUS LOCATION HERE).
Alert DC
Alert DC provides free notification by e-mail or text message during an emergency. Visit GW Campus Advisories for a link and instructions on how to sign up for alerts pertaining to GW. If you receive an Alert DC notification during class, please share the information immediately.
GW Alert
GW Alert provides popup notification to desktop and laptop computers during an emergency. In the event that we receive an alert to the computer in our classroom, we will follow the instructions given. You are also encouraged to download this application to your personal computer. Visit GW Campus Advisories to learn how.
Additional Information
Additional information about emergency preparedness and response at GW as well as the University’s operating status can be found on GW Campus Advisories or by calling the GW Information Line at 202-994-5050.
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