Type of course

Admission requirements

Higher Education Entrance Qualification (generell studiekompetanse) or prior learning and work experience (realkompetanse).

Application code: 9199 - Enkeltemner (ikke realfag), lavere grad (Nordic applicants).

Course content

The first part of the course gives a broad introduction to central questions in the philosophy of mind, including: What is the nature of mental states such as sensations and beliefs? How is the mind related to the body? And how is it that some mental states such as beliefs and fears can have a content, or "be about" something?

The philosophy of mind is naturally intertwined with metaphysics and epistemology. The second part of the course, therefore, goes more deeply into selected topics relating to knowledge and the nature of reality. The focus of this part of the course varies depending on the expertise of the lecturer, but typical topics include: Do human beings have free will? Are we living in a computer simulation? What is personal identity? Can we have knowledge of a "mind-independent" reality, or is the world we have access to inevitably shaped by how we think about it and experience it?

Recommended prerequisites

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

The student has:

• insight into some of the central questions in the philosophy of mind.
• an overview of the main theories concerning the nature of mental states and the relationship between mind and body (e.g. dualism, the identity theory and functionalism)
• an overview of influential arguments within the philosophy of mind.
• an in-depth knowledge and insight into one or more selected topics from metaphysics and epistemology.

Skills

The student can:

• explain and compare different theories, concepts, problems and methods from the philosophy of mind.
• apply theories and concepts to relevant discussions.
• assess the strengths and weaknesses of the theories.
• communicate central problems within the field in an easy-to-understand manner.

Competence

The student is able to:

• critically assess and defend philosophical argumentation.
• speak up and participate in academic discussions.
• reflect on and critically assess their own philosophical positions.

Language of instruction and examination

Lectures: English

Exam: English, Norwegian, or another Scandinavian language

Teaching methods

Information to incoming exchange students

This course is open for exchange students. There are no academic prerequisites to add this module in your Learning Agreement

Do you have questions about this module? Please check the following website to contact the course coordinator for exchange students at the faculty: https://en.uit.no/education/art?p_document_id=510412