161-211 Minds and Machines

At least one single-semester first-year philosophy subject, or permission from the Head of Department or the subject coordinator.

This subject focuses on the view that the mind is a computational device. The subject introduces students to the view in question, its ramifications and problems. Students will encounter not only philosophical issues, but some basic ideas in neuroanatomy, cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence. By the end of the subject, students should understand the debates concerning the computational hypothesis, and also be able to articulate and defend their views on the matter.