PHIL 450B Special Topic: Philosophy of Mind

In this course we will examine classic and contemporary theories about the nature of the mind. Questions to be addressed include: Is mind distinct from matter? Could there be minds without bodies? Are there other minds in the universe? Can a computer be conscious? Is the mind nothing more than an elaborate computer, or is mentality the exclusive possession of biological organisms? Do we have distinct selves? Open to all majors, no specific background in a particular discipline is assumed.