Philosophy 209 - PHILOS & HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY

Same as PSY 209. The course introduces you to the philosophical debates behind the psychology of the mind, focusing mostly on work from the 20th century onwards. We focus on the philosophical implications of major historical figures in psychology and their approach to Mind (James, Freud, Skinner). We read contemporary work on the problems of reductionism (can we just talk about brains?), consciousness (why do we have it, is it necessary? could we be zombies or automata?) and the nature of a coherent self (is there one? do we construct it? does it end with our bodies?). Discussion and writing are weekly requirements. It is not intended as an introduction to psychology or philosophy, which is why there is a prerequisite. Prerequisite: At least one college-level course in philosophy or psychology. Preference given to psychology and philosophy majors.