Philosophical Foundations of COGS (C8808)
Philosophical Foundations of Cognitive Science
Module C8808
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
This module examines various philosophical foundational issues in cognitive science by focussing on the nature and role of computation and representation in cognitive scientific explanations. In particular, the module asks the question: can our everyday way of understanding the mind, in terms of beliefs, desires and intentions, serve as a foundation for a scientific understanding of mind? The module then analyses various answers that have been given to this question.
Library
Clark, A. (2001) Mindware: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Science. OUP.
Module learning outcomes
Describe the way(s) in which cognitive science aims to integrate the mind into the natural world.
Critically discuss the relative merits of representational and non-representational accounts of cognition.
Synthesise arguments for, and counterarguments to, the elimination of the propositional attitudes from a science of the mind.
Explain the relative merits of symbolic and sub-symbolic accounts of cognition.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Based Exam | Semester 1 Assessment | 70.00% |
| Coursework | 30.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | T1 Week 7 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 1 hour | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Simon Bowes
Assess convenor
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