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

 


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