Module 02483 (2012)

Module Description - Philosophy of Cognitive Science

The Module Description is a strict subset of the Syllabus Page, which gives more information

Module TitlePhilosophy of Cognitive Science
SchoolComputer Science
Module Code06-02483
DescriptorCOMP/06-02483/LH
Member of StaffUnassigned
LevelH
Credits10
Semester2
Pre-requisites None
Co-requisites None
RestrictionsNone
Contact hours 10
Delivery Ten 1 hr weekly lectures.
Description Some of the fascinating philosophical problems thrown up by cognitive science and related disciplines will be presented. Philosophical problems are notoriously difficult to solve, so a methodology will be presented to enable students to tackle them. Students will be shown the advantages of pluralism, proliferation and pancritical rationalism.
Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to:Assessed by:
use an appropriate methodology for the identification of philosophical problems that inescapably arise in Cognitive Science Continuous Assessment
use an appropriate methodology for the resolution of philosophical problems that occur in Cognitive Science Continuous Assessment
put into practice a variety of methods for the criticism of rival theories Continuous Assessment
identify the influence of philosophical theories on theoretical work being done in Cognitive Science Continuous Assessment
identify the influence of philosophical theories on practical software development being done in Cognitive Science Continuous Assessment
relate foundational issues in Cognitive Science to more practical work being done there, including programming and software development Continuous Assessment
AssessmentSessional: Continuous assessment (100%).
Supplementary (where allowed): Repeat only.
The normal continuous assessment consists of a 3000 word essay.
Texts Steve Grand , Creation , 2001
Steve Grand , Growing up with Lucy , 2001
Douglas R. Hofstadter and Daniel C. Dennett (editors) , The Mind's I: Fantasies and Reflections on Self and Soul , 1982
Karl Popper , Knowledge and the Body-mind Problem , 1994
W. W. Bartley III , The Retreat to Commitment (second edition) , 1984
K. R. Popper and J. Eccles , The Self and its Brain , 1977
Daniel C. Dennett , Consciousness Explained , 1993
Karl Popper , Objective Knowledge , 1975
Karl Popper , Unended Quest , 1992
Margaret Boden (editor) , The Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence , 1990
Margaret Boden (editor) , The Philosophy of Artificial Life , 1996
Robert A. Wilson and Frank C. Keil (editors) , The MIT Encyclopedia of the Cognitive Sciences , 1999
C. A. J. Coady , Testimony: A Philosophical Study , 1992
Kenneth M. Ford, Clark Glymour and Patrick J. Hayes (editors) , Android Epistemology , 1995
Michael Tye , Ten Problems of Consciousness , 1995