Topics in the Philosophy of COGS (G5122)
Topics in the Philosophy of Cognitive Science
Module G5122
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This module aims to provide students of cognitive science with the opportunity to think critically about recent theoretical developments in cognitive science and associated philosophical discussion, and to read key writings by people in the field. It will stress the links between the study of cognition and the study of other aspects of the mind, such as: phenomenal consciousness, emotion, creativity, embodiment, sensorimotor coordination, dynamical coupling, etc. (although actual topics covered will vary from year to year, and may depend on student interest). It will equip students with the ability to understand some of the deeper issues in current research in cognitive science, and to enable them to become reflective researchers in that area.
Library
Rather than a set text, students will read a selection of chapters and articles, such as:
Bermudez, Jose Luis (2003). Ascribing thoughts to non-linguistic creatures. Facta
Philosophica 5 (2):313-34 Gamez, David (2007) Progress in Machine Consciousness. Consciousness and
Cognition Volume 17, Issue 3, September 2008, Pages 887-910.
M. A. Boden (forthcoming) "Creativity and Artificial Evolution". In J. Copeland
and R. Brooks (Eds.) Creativity, Mathematics, and Computers (provisional title),
Templeton Press/MIT Press.
Module learning outcomes
Describe the way(s) in which cognitive science aims to integrate the mind into the natural world.
Synthesize and discuss the relative merits of representational and non-representational accounts of cognition.
Argue effectively for and against different philosophical positions concerning the elimination of the propositional attitudes from a science of the mind.
Synthesize and discuss 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. | ||
| Presentation | T1 Week 11 (10 minutes) | 34.00% |
| Essay | XVAC Week 1 | 66.00% |
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 | Seminar | 2 hours | 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
/profiles/169679
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