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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Philosophy & Science of Consciousness (C8893)

Philosophy and Science of Consciousness

Module C8893

Module details for 2024/25.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 6

Module Outline

The module examines the problems and prospects for a science of consciousness. Topics include: defining consciousness, the Hard Problem, the Knowledge Argument against physicalism, qualia, theories of the self, the neuroscience of consciousness, attention and volition, machine consciousness, the evolution and function of consciousness, the Grand Illusion theory.

Module learning outcomes

Summarise and critically evaluate recent arguments against the possibility of a physicalistic science of consciousness.

Critically discuss various theories of consciousness (e.g., global workspace theory, higher-order thought theory, et al).

Critically discuss recent findings concerning the neural basis of experience.

Argue effectively for positions of various related issues, such as the function of consciousness, the possibility of artificial consciousness, the causal role of experience in voluntary action, and the evolutionary function of consciousness.

TypeTimingWeighting
Computer Based ExamSemester 2 Assessment50.00%
Coursework50.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
PresentationT2 Week 11 (15 minutes)30.00%
EssayT2 Week 11 70.00%
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.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterSeminar2 hours11111111111

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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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

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