• A
  • A
  • A
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
Regular version of the site

Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Sciences

2019/2020
Academic Year
ENG
Instruction in English
3
ECTS credits
Course type:
Elective course
When:
3 year, 2 module

Course Syllabus

Abstract

What is our role in the universe as human agents capable of knowledge? What makes us intelligent cognitive agents seemingly endowed with consciousness? This is the second part of the course 'Philosophy and the Sciences', dedicated to Philosophy of the Cognitive Sciences. Scientific research across the cognitive sciences has raised pressing questions for philosophers. The goal of this course is to introduce you to some of the main areas and topics at the key juncture between philosophy and the cognitive sciences. Each week we will introduce you to some of these important questions at the forefront of scientific research. We will explain the science behind each topic in a simple, non-technical way, while also addressing the philosophical and conceptual questions arising from it.
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • Gain a view on selected areas and topics at the intersection of philosophy and the sciences.
  • Understand some key questions, and conceptual problems arising in the cognitive sciences.
Expected Learning Outcomes

Expected Learning Outcomes

  • Philosophical definition of science
  • General understanding of cosmology
  • Understanding of scientific methodology
  • Basic concepts of matter and energy
  • Understanding of the anthropic principle
Course Contents

Course Contents

  • What is this thing called science?
    -What is Science? -Duhem and Kuhn
  • The origins of our universe.
    -A Very Brief History of Cosmology -Cosmology & Scientific Methodology
  • Dark Matter and Dark Energy.
    -Dark Matter & Dark Energy -What prospects for Cosmology?
  • The anthropic principle and multiverse cosmology.
    -The Anthropic Principle and Philosophy.
Assessment Elements

Assessment Elements

  • non-blocking Practice Quiz 1
  • non-blocking Quiz 2
  • non-blocking Quiz 3
  • non-blocking Quiz 4
Interim Assessment

Interim Assessment

  • Interim assessment (2 module)
    0.25 * Practice Quiz 1 + 0.25 * Quiz 2 + 0.25 * Quiz 3 + 0.25 * Quiz 4
Bibliography

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

  • Leda Cosmides, & John Tooby. (2007). Evolutionary Psychology: A primer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.93D90B9B

Recommended Additional Bibliography

  • Godfrey-Smith, P. (2003). Theory and Reality : An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=324622
  • Psillos, S. (2007). Philosophy of Science A-Z. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=194151