This course discusses a number of major issues and positions in the contemporary philosophy of mind. Topics include the relation between the mental and physical, subjectivity, intentionality and mental causation and explanation.

2 lectures per week for 9 weeks, plus 4 tutorials. The course may not run every year. Options running this year are available on MyCampus.

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 2 x Essay (2500 words) - 100%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essays, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

The course aims to:

■ introduce students to a number of major issues in the contemporary Philosophy of Mind.

■ familiarise students with the main positions and arguments within each topic.

■ enable students to deploy these arguments for themselves.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

■ Identify the basic categories and types of mental phenomena;

■ Illustrate the relation of mental phenomena to the physical world, including substance dualism, behaviourism, central state materialism and functionalism;

■ Explain phenomenal content and subjectivity;

■ Analyse the problem of representation or 'aboutness';

■ Assess the status of psychological explanation.

Assessment for this course is at Masters Level.