Computing
Topics in the Philosophy of Cognitive Science
Module code: G5122
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework, Computer based exam
This module aims to provide students of cognitive science with the opportunity to think critically about recent theoretical developments in cognitive science and associated philosophical discussion, and to read key writings by people in the field.
It will stress the links between the study of cognition and the study of other aspects of the mind, such as:
- phenomenal consciousness
- emotion
- creativity
- embodiment
- sensorimotor coordination
- dynamical coupling, etc.
Actual topics covered will vary from year to year, and may depend on levels of interest.
It will equip you with the ability to understand some of the deeper issues in current research in cognitive science, and to enable you to become a reflective researcher in that area.
Module learning outcomes
- Describe the way(s) in which cognitive science aims to integrate the mind into the natural world.
- Synthesize and discuss the relative merits of representational and non-representational accounts of cognition.
- Argue effectively for and against different philosophical positions concerning the elimination of the propositional attitudes from a science of the mind.
- Synthesize and discuss the relative merits of symbolic and sub-symbolic accounts of cognition.