Metaphysics of the Mind
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims at familiarizing students with the main results in the metaphysics of mind, with an emphasis on the most recent developments. Among the topics covered: the relation between mental states and brain states, the problem of intentionality, the unity of consciousness, and various issues surrounding the nature of specific mental states and particular aspects of the mind.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
- Knowledge and understanding of the main problems concerning the nature of the mind.
- Knowledge and understanding of the main theories in the metaphysics of mind.
- Knowledge and understanding of background metaphysical theories and conceptual framework.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
- Ability to critically evaluate the theoretical options in question.
- Ability to apply the tools introduced to other problems, both in philosophy and outside of philosophy.
- Knowledge and understanding of the main problems concerning the nature of the mind.
- Knowledge and understanding of the main theories in the metaphysics of mind.
- Knowledge and understanding of background metaphysical theories and conceptual framework.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
- Ability to critically evaluate the theoretical options in question.
- Ability to apply the tools introduced to other problems, both in philosophy and outside of philosophy.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course is devoted to a discussion of central issues in the metaphysics of mind. In the first part (40 hours, 6 CFU), we will focus on the mind-body problem and the issue of intentionality, with particular attention to the relationship between phenomenal consciousness and the physical world, and to Kripkenstein's paradox. In the second part (20 hours, additional 3 CFU), we will further deepen our discussion of Kripkenstein's paradox before moving on to address the problem of the unity of consciousness.
Recordings and lecture slides will be made available to non-attending students.
Recordings and lecture slides will be made available to non-attending students.
Prerequisites for admission
No specific preliminary notion required.
Teaching methods
Lectures
Teaching Resources
The following list is provisional; therefore, wait to buy the books. The final list, which will also specify which parts of the individual texts will be subject to examination, will be available in the final version of the program, which will be published before the end of the lectures.
Reference material for the first part of the course (40 hours, 6 CFU)
1a. René Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy (readily available in any bookstore; any edition is fine).
1b. J.J.C. Smart, 'Sensations and Brain Processes' (on myAriel).
1c. David Lewis, 'Mad Pain and Martian Pain' (on myAriel).
1d. Saul Kripke, Naming and Necessity (available in bookstores, at least online bookstores).
1e. David Chalmers, The Conscious Mind (on myAriel).
1f. Keith Frankish, 'Illusionism as a Theory of Consciousness' (on myAriel).
1g. Philip Goff, Galileo's Error (readily available on any online bookstore).
1h. Saul Kripke, Wittgenstein on Rules and Private Language (available in bookstores, at least online bookstores).
1i. Andrea Guardo, Seguire una regola (available in bookstores, at least online bookstores).
1l. The content of the lectures for the first part of the course (audio on myAriel, slides on the instructor's website, at https://sites.google.com/view/andreaguardo/insegnamento).
Reference material for the second part of the course (20 hours, additional 3 CFU)
2a. Saul Kripke, Wittgenstein on Rules and Private Language.
2b. Andrea Guardo, Seguire una regola.
2c. Derek Parfit, Reasons and Persons (on myAriel).
2d. The content of the lectures for the second part of the course (audio on myAriel, slides on the instructor's website).
Non-attending students
There are no additional readings for non-attending students, who are simply required to listen to the recordings of the lectures.
Reference material for the first part of the course (40 hours, 6 CFU)
1a. René Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy (readily available in any bookstore; any edition is fine).
1b. J.J.C. Smart, 'Sensations and Brain Processes' (on myAriel).
1c. David Lewis, 'Mad Pain and Martian Pain' (on myAriel).
1d. Saul Kripke, Naming and Necessity (available in bookstores, at least online bookstores).
1e. David Chalmers, The Conscious Mind (on myAriel).
1f. Keith Frankish, 'Illusionism as a Theory of Consciousness' (on myAriel).
1g. Philip Goff, Galileo's Error (readily available on any online bookstore).
1h. Saul Kripke, Wittgenstein on Rules and Private Language (available in bookstores, at least online bookstores).
1i. Andrea Guardo, Seguire una regola (available in bookstores, at least online bookstores).
1l. The content of the lectures for the first part of the course (audio on myAriel, slides on the instructor's website, at https://sites.google.com/view/andreaguardo/insegnamento).
Reference material for the second part of the course (20 hours, additional 3 CFU)
2a. Saul Kripke, Wittgenstein on Rules and Private Language.
2b. Andrea Guardo, Seguire una regola.
2c. Derek Parfit, Reasons and Persons (on myAriel).
2d. The content of the lectures for the second part of the course (audio on myAriel, slides on the instructor's website).
Non-attending students
There are no additional readings for non-attending students, who are simply required to listen to the recordings of the lectures.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is written and consists of two groups of questions. The questions in the first group are short-answer and aim to assess the understanding of the fundamental concepts; those in the second group require a more elaborate response and focus on more complex issues. To pass the exam, it is necessary to obtain at least a satisfactory score in both groups of questions. Both groups of questions cover topics explained in class as well as issues discussed exclusively in the course texts.
Students with learning disabilities (DSA) and/or disabilities who intend to request a modification of the exam procedures should agree, as soon as possible, on the details of the case with the instructor and the competent office, following scrupulously the procedures described at the following links (in the section Support for teaching and contact with instructors - compensatory measures):
https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti/servizi-studenti-con-dsa
https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti/servizi-studenti-con-disabilita
An example of an acceptable concept map for the exam is available on the instructor's website.
The exam can be taken starting from the first session after the conclusion of the course and for a total of seven sessions.
Students with learning disabilities (DSA) and/or disabilities who intend to request a modification of the exam procedures should agree, as soon as possible, on the details of the case with the instructor and the competent office, following scrupulously the procedures described at the following links (in the section Support for teaching and contact with instructors - compensatory measures):
https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti/servizi-studenti-con-dsa
https://www.unimi.it/it/studiare/servizi-gli-studenti/servizi-studenti-con-disabilita
An example of an acceptable concept map for the exam is available on the instructor's website.
The exam can be taken starting from the first session after the conclusion of the course and for a total of seven sessions.
M-FIL/01 - THEORETICAL PHILOSOPHY - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Guardo Andrea
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)