PP214: Philosophy Mind Final Essay Topics / Winter 2017

PP214: Philosophy Mind Final Essay Topics / Winter 2017

PHILOSOPHY OF MIND – FINAL ESSAY

write a short essay (5-7 double-spaced pages) on one of the following topics. Some (not all) assigned readings that are relevant to each topic are listed in brackets—you are expected to be familiar with those readings.

WILL give you email to acess textbook
PP214: Philosophy Mind Final Essay Topics / Winter 2017
For 30% of your course grade, write a short essay (5-7 double-spaced pages) on one of the following topics. Some (not all) assigned readings that are relevant to each topic are listed in brackets—you are expected to be familiar with those readings.
Due Date: March 27, at the beginning of the lecture. See policy on extensions and late papers below.
————————————————————————————————————————————
Topics:
(1) Write an essay on whether you think qualia pose a serious threat to functionalist theories of mind. In your essay, consider how functionalists might respond to either: (a) the possibility of Reversed (Inverted) Spectra; or (b) the conceivability of Zombies. [see Text, pps. 91-100; see also pp. 189-208; John Heil (LR), “Qualia”; and Daniel Dennett (LR), “The Zombie Hunch”]
(2) Daniel Dennett claims that anything that we can successfully interact with by treating as if it were rational, and as if it had beliefs, desires, etc., has the very same claim to be regarded as having beliefs and desires that we do. How plausible is this view? Defend your answer. [see Dennett (LR), “Intentionality: The Intentional Systems Approach”; John Heil (LR), “The Intentional Stance”]?
(3) Write an essay on either: (a) Thomas Nagel’s (‘What is it like to be a bat?’) challenge to physicalism (i.e., materialism), or (b) Frank Jackson’s ‘Knowledge Argument’ against physicalism. In your essay, lay out the view presented by Nagel (or by Jackson) and say how you think a physicalist should reply. Say whether you think the physicalist reply is successful, and why. [Text, pp.189-208]
————————————————————————————————————————————–
Scope & Format:
(i) Feel free to narrow your scope and select what you take to be the most important aspect(s) of the topic you choose. But your judgment on this matter is also part of what you can be evaluated for.
(ii) This is not a research essay, so you do not need to expend energy finding or discussing additional sources on the topic you select. You should emphasize (i) developing your own ideas on the topic you select, and (ii) defending those ideas. Sources beyond the assigned readings should be used only insofar as they assist you in working through the problems yourself. Make sure all your sources are properly cited!
(iii) Do not exceed the upper page limit; your essay should be in 12 point font, with standard margins. Submit your essay with a cover-page, containing the course number, your name and ID number. Staple the pages together and do not enclose your essay in any other form of cover or binder.

PHILOSOPHY OF MIND – FINAL ESSAY

write a short essay (5-7 double-spaced pages) on one of the following topics. Some (not all) assigned readings that are relevant to each topic are listed in brackets—you are expected to be familiar with those readings.

WILL give you email to acess textbook
PP214: Philosophy Mind Final Essay Topics / Winter 2017
For 30% of your course grade, write a short essay (5-7 double-spaced pages) on one of the following topics. Some (not all) assigned readings that are relevant to each topic are listed in brackets—you are expected to be familiar with those readings.
Due Date: March 27, at the beginning of the lecture. See policy on extensions and late papers below.
————————————————————————————————————————————
Topics:
(1) Write an essay on whether you think qualia pose a serious threat to functionalist theories of mind. In your essay, consider how functionalists might respond to either: (a) the possibility of Reversed (Inverted) Spectra; or (b) the conceivability of Zombies. [see Text, pps. 91-100; see also pp. 189-208; John Heil (LR), “Qualia”; and Daniel Dennett (LR), “The Zombie Hunch”]
(2) Daniel Dennett claims that anything that we can successfully interact with by treating as if it were rational, and as if it had beliefs, desires, etc., has the very same claim to be regarded as having beliefs and desires that we do. How plausible is this view? Defend your answer. [see Dennett (LR), “Intentionality: The Intentional Systems Approach”; John Heil (LR), “The Intentional Stance”]?
(3) Write an essay on either: (a) Thomas Nagel’s (‘What is it like to be a bat?’) challenge to physicalism (i.e., materialism), or (b) Frank Jackson’s ‘Knowledge Argument’ against physicalism. In your essay, lay out the view presented by Nagel (or by Jackson) and say how you think a physicalist should reply. Say whether you think the physicalist reply is successful, and why. [Text, pp.189-208]
————————————————————————————————————————————–
Scope & Format:
(i) Feel free to narrow your scope and select what you take to be the most important aspect(s) of the topic you choose. But your judgment on this matter is also part of what you can be evaluated for.
(ii) This is not a research essay, so you do not need to expend energy finding or discussing additional sources on the topic you select. You should emphasize (i) developing your own ideas on the topic you select, and (ii) defending those ideas. Sources beyond the assigned readings should be used only insofar as they assist you in working through the problems yourself. Make sure all your sources are properly cited!
(iii) Do not exceed the upper page limit; your essay should be in 12 point font, with standard margins. Submit your essay with a cover-page, containing the course number, your name and ID number. Staple the pages together and do not enclose your essay in any other form of cover or binder.

Order from us and get better grades. We are the service you have been looking for.