Mind, Psychology and Mental Health
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHIL3003 | Philosophy | 3 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- PHIL3003
- School
- Philosophy
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module will consider mind, psychology, and mental health from a philosophical angle. The module will cover a range of exciting and fundamental topics in the philosophy of mind and psychology (chosen from topics such as, the social mind, animal minds, the nature of consciousness, the mind-body problem, the emotions, imagination, pain, will and action, belief, perception, mind as machine, and artificial intelligence - selected topics will vary from year to year). We will always ask how these relate to mental health. But the module will also have a more specific focus on mental health as we will take the tools of philosophy of mind and psychology to mental health: we will consider how philosophy of mind and psychology can help us better understand mental health, but also how reflection on mental health can impact work in philosophy of mind and psychology. So the module will also cover content chosen from topics and areas such as the nature of mental health (and mental illness), delusion, thought-insertion, therapy, self-deception and the philosophy of specific mental disorders (e.g., addiction, schizophrenia, depression) - specific topics varying from year to year. So, in sum the module will combine focus on specific topics in philosophy of mind and psychology (with a mental health angle), and specific topics in philosophy of mental health (with a philosophy of mind and psychology angle).
Target Students
Third year single honours and joint honours Philosophy students. Also available to Liberal Arts students in their final year who have completed either PHIL1012 or PHIL1013. Also available to exchange students.
Classes
- One 1-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 50% Coursework 1: One 2,500-word essay
- 50% Coursework 2: One 2,500 word essay
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The aim of this module is to consider and evaluate some key debates in the philosophy mind and psychology, and in the philosophy of mental health. By the end of the module students should have an understanding of, be informed about, and be in a position to critically evaluate various positions within these areas.Learning Outcomes
A. Knowledge and Understanding.
By the end of this module you should be able to understand key positions in the philosophy of mind and psychology, and the philosophy of mental health.
B. Intellectual skills.
By the end of this module you should be able to analyse and evaluate rival views within these areas.
C. Transferable skills.
By the end of this module you should be able to express views on abstract issues clearly and concisely in writing.