The last two decades have seen an explosion of research within and related to the neurosciences. Much of this research has philosophical implications that have hardly been articulated so far. In this course, we will introduce and discuss a number of philosophical topics that are influenced by, and influence, current neuroscience research (in a broad sense). These topics range from new developments on “standard” philosophical issues to “new” issues that derive from current work in the neurosciences.
The following topics will be discussed:
- Introduction: Philosophy of neuroscience and neurophilosophy
- Emergence and reduction: What is the difference between mind and brain?
- Brains and minds: Measuring the brain, and a Wittgensteinian critique
- Vision: How the neurosciences change what it means to see evolution and modularity. How did evolution affect the mind?
- Epistemic issues: Problems with brain measurements
- Mirror neurons: Innateness to Tomasello’s culture first. The difference between you and me is no longer what it used to be.
- Language: From Chomskian
- Self-awareness: Metzinger claims that we do not truly have a self.
Some familiarity with basic neuroscience concepts and terminology is assumed. If necessary, chapter 7 of Paul Churchland’s Matter and Consciousness (Cambridge MA, 1984: MIT Press) provides a basic introduction into neuroscience, but any of the numerous introductions in (cognitive) neuroscience will do as well. John Allman’s Evolving Brains (New York, 1999: Scientific American Library) is particularly recommended for giving an account of the neural details placed in their evolutionary and behavioral background. At the end of each meeting, one of the lecturers presents a synopsis of the literature that is to be discussed at the next meeting. In addition, an essay assignment concerning this literature is given.
Study load
Between 1 and 5 ECTS credit points
Calendar
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Registration
F.A. (Fred) Keijzer, PhD (f.a.keijzer@rug.nl)
Phone: +31 50 363 6162
Coordinator
F.A. (Fred) Keijzer, PhD
Faculty of Philosophy, Oude Boteringestraat 52
Additional information
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