SE4421: Philosophy of Psychology

School Philosophy
Department Code ENCAP
Module Code SE4421
External Subject Code 100337
Number of Credits 20
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Anneli Jefferson
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2022/3

Outline Description of Module

Psychology has a long-standing and close relationship with philosophy. Questions about how to do psychology, and how best to characterise and explain mental phenomena, are tightly linked with philosophical work on scientific methodology and the nature of the mind. In this module we will explore foundational questions about the nature of psychology as a science, and the main theoretical frameworks for understanding and explaining how the mind works. 

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • Summarise and explain philosophical issues related to the nature of psychology as a science, and the main theoretical frameworks for understanding and explaining how the mind works.the practice of psychology, the nature of psychological explanation, and cognitive architecture 

  • Identify problems with philosophical positions as well as potential responses to them 

  • Construct arguments, both verbally and in written work, drawing on relevant philosophical and empirical work 

  • Work independently 

How the module will be delivered

The module will be delivered through a mix of large group and small group sessions, including, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.   

Skills that will be practised and developed

Transferable / Employability Skills:

It is worth bearing in mind that, even though the point of the module is to do philosophy, many of the skills you’ll be developing are also highly valued by graduate employers. These include:

  • Critical Thinking: e.g. the ability to understand, structure and critically evaluate the key points and arguments made in written texts and discussions––achieved through e.g. reading, small group activities in lectures and seminars, plenary discussions in seminars, reflecting on lecture materials, essay and exam preparation and writing.
  • Communication: the ability to formulate and articulate your critical thinking, both orally and on paper, in ways that others can grasp and engage with––achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, seminar discussions, essay/exam writing.
  • Organisation: the ability to organise and coordinate workloads––achieved through balancing e.g. reading, seminar preparation, essay/exam preparation.
  • Working with others: e.g. co-constructing ideas, responding sensitively to others––achieved through e.g. small group work in seminars, group presentations.

How the module will be assessed

The summative assessment for this module will take the form of one essay of 1,600 words, and one essay of 2,400 words.

This 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)
Written Assessment 50 Essay 1 N/A
Written Assessment 50 Essay 2 N/A

Syllabus content

Topics covered on the module may include the below (note they are subject to change). While most of the module readings will be by philosophers, some are also by philosophically inclined scientists whose work contributes to these debates. 

What is psychology?, hHow does it work,? and wWhy is it difficult? 

How can we use evolutionary theory to understand the mind? Is the mind made up of many different evolved sub-systems for doing specific tasks, or it more flexible and plastic? What is the difference between innate and learned abilities, and are these strictly distinct?  

What are the relationships between personal level explanations, which focus on the reasons, beliefs and desires that explain a person’s behaviour, and sub-personal level explanations, which focus on the functioning of brain parts to explain a person’s behaviour? 

What counts as a psychological dysfunction, and how can we used evidence about dysfunction to learn about ‘normal’ psychological functions? 

What are intentions, beliefs and desires?: dDo theyse  words refer to real mental states or are theyse outdated and imprecise terms that have no place in psychological theorising? And if they do refer toare real mental states, in what sense are thoseey real? 


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