PHIL 5450: Philosophy of Mind                                                                    Ron Mallon

Topics 3.

Write a 5-7 page, double-spaced paper on a topic of your choice. Here are some suggestions.

Instructions:

(1)  Papers may be on any topic of your choosing, but they should substantially engage the classroom readings and discussion.  Topics below are suggestions.  If you’d like to discuss your paper topic [recommended if you are not writing on one of the topics below], feel free to contact me during my office hours or via email at rmallon@philosophy.utah.edu. 

(2) Papers should be original.  Plagiarism will result in a punishment not to exceed a failing grade for the course.  (Note also that work produced for another course cannot be submitted for this one.)

(3) Papers are DUE Monday Friday, May 6, 2005. NOTE: THIS IS ONE WEEK LATER THAN ORIGINALLY INDICATED.

Some advice:

(1) Your paper should have an argument that you introduce, present, and conclude.

(2) It's often easier to start with a position you disagree with.

(3) Considering objections to your view will enhance the quality of your written work and your thinking.

(4) Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.

Suggested topics:

1. Consider and defend physicalism, nonphysicalism, or mysterianism about consciousness.

2. Consider the status of causal/informational semantic theories in light of the misrepresentation/disjunction problem.

3. Assess Jackson's 'Mary' argument against physicalism – the so-called 'knowledge argument'.

4. Nagel suggests there's something it's like to be a bat. Is he correct? What is the significance for this claim to our understanding of consciousness?

5. Critically assess Chalmers's 'zombie argument' against physicalism. Make reference to the reply either by Loar or McLaughlin/Hill.

6. Discuss and assess McGinn's 'mysterian' view of consciousness.