SE4379: The Problem of Consciousness
School | Philosophy |
Department Code | ENCAP |
Module Code | SE4379 |
External Subject Code | 100337 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Level | L6 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr Richard Gray |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
This double module is concerned with the problem of consciousness. Following a look at some of the background to contemporary philosophy of mind, we will examine the principle problems and proposed solutions to the problem of consciousness.
The module aims are as follows:
- To develop students’ reasoning skills: to enable them to construct, present and justify arguments.
- To make students fully cognisant of some central issues and texts in the philosophy of mind.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of attempted answers to the problem of consciousness.
How the module will be delivered
The module will be delivered through weekly lectures and discussion sessions led by a member of staff.
The module will be taught using printed books, a printed course reader containing book chapters and/or journal articles and journal articles available online.
Timetabled sessions will be supplemented with written material in the form of a detailed summary of the content of the sessions and questions and/or instructions for discussion. This supplementary material will be provided in the form of printed handouts and in the form of material on Learning Central. Any supplementary material in a permanent form (e.g. a paper handout or downloadable document) will be made available at the beginning of the session.
Still images or diagrams will be used in this module to supplement or illustrate points which are also presented verbally (e.g. in text or by means of a caption).
Images, sound, video or other multimedia resources will not be used in this module.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Intellectual skills:
- the ability to appraise and assess arguments
- the ability to reach conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of arguments and to justify these conclusions with sound reasoning
- the ability to form a consistent and thoughtful position about questions raised in the module
Discipline specific skills:
- the ability to analyse and construct philosophical arguments
- the ability to deploy appropriate philosophical vocabulary
- the ability to use appropriately and independently a variety of textual sources
Transferable skills:
- the ability to analyse, construct and assess arguments
- the ability to communicate clearly and accurately in written work
- the ability to form independent views and argue for them
- Students will develop employability skills which include the ability to synthesise information, operating in group-based discussion involving negotiating ideas and producing clear, informed arguments in a professional manner.
How the module will be assessed
The formative assessment for this module consists of one essay.
The summative assessment for this essay takes the form of one essay of 2,000 words (maximum) together with a 90 minute unseen written examination. Each counts equally in the final assessment of the module. The summative essay may be based upon a development of a formative essay. The summative essay titles will cover the material of the first half of the semester and the examination questions will cover the material of the second half of the semester.
Type of assessment |
% |
Title |
Duration (exam) / Word length (essay) |
Approx. date of assessment |
Formative essay |
0% |
|
? |
|
Summative essay |
50% |
|
2,000 words (max) |
|
Summative examination |
50% |
|
90 minutes |
|
The module is assessed according to the Marking Criteria set out in the Philosophy Course Guide. There are otherwise no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Exam - Autumn Semester | 50 | The Problem Of Consciousness | 1.5 |
Written Assessment | 50 | Essay | N/A |
Syllabus content
The subjective point of view
The problem of qualia
Internalism and externalism
Representationalism
Essential Reading and Resource List
Course Reader