philosophy as-a2 scheme of work and course plan

8/13/2019 PHILOSOPHY AS-A2 SCHEME of WORK and Course Plan

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PHILOSOPHYAS-A2 SCHEME of WORK and Course Plan

Updated 2009

This course guide will make reference to some books not issued as standard texts for this course. You

are strongly advised to acquaint yourself with the Library and the texts of which we have copies in

Room 10.

Module 1: Introduction to Philosophy 1

PHIL1:Reason and Experience(Note that this theme is compulsory in PHIL1, and candidates will be required to answer the

corresponding question on the PHIL1 exam paper)

What do we know? How do we know it? The nature and extent of knowledge are fundamental issuesin Philosophy and this theme raises questions concerning our rights to the beliefs that we have, and

how we acquire them.

General reading:

a) DW Hamlyn: The Theory of Knowledgeb) I Scheffler: Conditions of Knowledgec) J Dancy: Contemporary Epistemologyd) AJ Ayer: The Problem of Knowledgee) Peter Cole: The Theory of Knowledgef) Cardinal, Hayward and Jones: Epistemology(These sources will also be useful for your topic: Knowledge of the external world in PHIL2)

Topic 1 Mind as Tabula Rasa

Can experience provide an adequate basis for a systematic account of human knowledge?

(Empiricism) Experience as the source of our knowledge of concepts and propositions, and the means

by which we justify our beliefs.A posterioriknowledge.

The strengths and weaknesses of the view that all ideas are derived from (sense) experience.

The strengths and weaknesses of the view that claims about what exists must be ultimately grounded in

and justified by sense experience. (justification)

The British empiricists - Locke, Berkeley, Hume

a) AC Grayling: Philosophy a guide through the subject chp 9b) J Bennett: Locke, Berkeley, Hume Central Themes (only for the brave)c) Past master series: A.J. Ayer: Hume, JO Urmson: Berkeley, J Dunn: Locked) Cardinal, Hayward and Jones: Epistemology chp 3Questions:

a) All ideas derive from the sense experiences which they copy (30) Discuss. (Exemplar 2008)b) Briefly explain two ways in which we have a prioriknowledge. (6) (2008)c) Critically discuss the view that all knowledge comes from, and is justified by, sense

experience. (30) (2009)

On justification:

Reliabilism, coherence and foundationalism as grounds of justification: the problem of an infinite

regress.

Reading:

a) M Williams: Problems of knowledge esp chps 7-11 see also Agrippas trilemma chp 5


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b) Bernecker and Dretske: Knowledge readings in contemporary epistemology chp 13 onreliabilism and chps 17-19 on Foundationalism.

c) D Pritchard: What is this thing called knowledge? ***d) R Audi: Epistemology chp 7 on Foundationalism, coherence and Epistemic regress.e) Greco and Sosa: Blackwell guide to Epistemology chp 4Questions:

a) Briefly explain what foundationalism involves (6) 2005b) Explain and illustrate one criticism of the view that a belief is knowledge if it coheres with

other accepted beliefs. (15) (2006)

c) Explain and illustrate one strength of reliabilism. (15) (2008)

Topic 2 Innate Knowledge

Can reason provide adequate basis for a systematic account of human knowledge?

The strengths and weaknesses of the view that the mind contains innate knowledge regarding the way

the world is: the doctrine of innate ideas and its philosophical significance.

The view that some fundamental claims about what exists can be grounded in and justified by a priori

intuition and/or demonstration.

Is certainty confined to introspection and the tautological?

Rationalism: Reason as the source of our knowledge, as justification for our beliefs, and as the source

for our conceptual apparatus.A prioriknowledge.

a) Bernecker and Dretske: Knowledge readings in contemporary epistemology chp 40 and 41b) Plato: Meno Dialogue.c) R Audi: Epistemology chp 4 : Reasond) DW Hamlyn: The Theory of Knowledge chp 9e) Greco and Sosa: Blackwell guide to Epistemology chp 11f) R Scruton: Modern Philosophy chp 13g) Cardinal, Hayward and Jones: Epistemology chp 3Questions:Explain what is meant by the a prioriand explain one reason why the a prioriis philosophically

significant. (15) Exemplar 2008

Explain and illustrate two ways in which it is possible to have a prioriknowledge. (15) 2009

Topic 3 Conceptual schemes

The idea that experience is only intelligible as it is because it presents sensation through a

predetermined conceptual scheme or framework; and the philosophical implications of this view. A

network of concepts and propositions by which we organise, describe, and explain our experience.

The critique of pure reason (and pure empiricism): The attempt at reconciliation by Kant.

a) R Scruton: Modern Philosophy chp 25b) B Russell: The Problems of Philosophyc) WT Jones: Kant and the Nineteenth Century (History of Western Philosophy) chp 2d) S Gardner: Kant and the Critique of Pure Reason (more difficult)Questions:

a) Assess the view that some concepts that we have are not gained from sense experience. (24)(2008)


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PHIL1: Persons

This concept will be studied partly for its connectedness to issues of contemporary interest

and partly for the pathway it provides to further study at A2. (Philosophy of Mind) Descartes

Meditations is often cited in discussions of personhood, or in questions concerning the self, and this

will also be covered in A2. The issues to be covered are:

What are the characteristics of personhood?

The characteristics associated with personhood such as: rationality; being reflective about ones

experiences, feelings and motives as well as those of others; possessing a network of beliefs; self-

awareness and awareness of oneself as a continuing subject of experience; creativity, autonomy and/or

individuality, one who shapes themselves through choices, goals, actions and

reactions and is responsible, accountable and possesses rights in virtue of this; one who is embodied,

one to whom we ascribe mental and physical characteristics; a language user, able to communicate

meanings; a social being, one whose sense of self emerges in and is created through relationships with

others.

The concept of a person as a natural phenomenon and as primitive. We generally identify personsbefore applying the above criteria. Yet these characteristics are possessed as a matter of degree: we

have the concepts of complex and diminished persons; potential and ex-persons.

What is a person?

The notion that not all humans are persons and, perhaps, that some non-humans are persons.

Pathological cases:

Reading:

a) O Sacks: The Man who mistook his wife for a hat

b) T Grandin: Thinking in pictures (also: Animals in translation)

c) O Sacks: The Anthropologist on Mars

d) Internet references to: Phineas Gage, Alzheimers cases, and multiple personality disorder.

e) B Garrett: What is this thing called Metaphysics? chp 8 p 123

Questions:

Identify and briefly explain two characteristics that distinguish persons from non-persons. (15)

Exemplar 2008

Explain and illustrate two reasons why some human beings might become diminished persons. (15)

(2009)

To what extent do some non-human animals and some machines possess at least some characteristics

associated with personhood and to a sufficient degree for personhood?

The relevance of the Turing test. The Chinese Rooms thought Experiment (Searle)

On Artificial Intelligence:Reading:

a) (ed) M Boden: The Philosophy of Artificial Intelligenceb) T Crane: The Mechanical Mindc) Heil: Part 4Questions:

i) Describe and illustrate one way of deciding whether some machines (eg computers, robots) have

minds. (2002)

ii) Assess the claim that only human beings can be persons. (32) 2004

What secures our personal identity through time?

Whether either physical or psychological continuity through time are necessary or sufficientconditions of identity.


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Whether our survival, rather than identity, through time is a more appropriate concept; the

implications of cloning, brain damage, body.

Locke and the gallant Officer thought experiment.

The teletransporter thought experiment.

Parfit and Split Brains neurophysiology.

Reading:

a) KT Maslin: chps 9 & 10b) B Williams: Problems of the Selfc) EJ Lowe: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind chp 10d) (ed) J Perry: Personal Identitye) (eds) Martin and Barresi: Personal Identity ***f) D Parfitt: Reasons and Personsg) B Garrett: What is this thing called Metaphysics? chp 8Humes bundle or commonwealth notion of mind; Wittgenstein: the Self as a limit of the World, or

No-self view of self.

Questions:

a) What constitutes a person?b) How convincing is the claim that our personal identity through time is given by psychological

continuity? (30) 2009

c) How convincing is the claim that bodily continuity is a necessary and sufficient condition forpersonal identity over time? (30) Exemplar 2008

d) Describe and illustrate two criticisms of the view that personal identity depends uponpsychological continuity through time (18) 2004/2009

e) Assess the claim that only human beings can be persons. (32) 2004f) Describe and illustrate two characteristics thought to be essential for persons. (18) (2006)g) Assess whether it is overly restrictive to hold that only human beings can be persons. 32 (2008)h) Assess whether we could ascribe mental states to ourselves without knowing whether they are

experienced by others. (32) (2009)

PHIL1:The Idea of God

Reflecting on the nature of a supreme being has generated a constellation of divine attributes.

Can we make sense of them? The idea that a maximally perfect being exists necessarily is

expressed in the distinctive ontological argument for the existence of God. Is the argument

successful and how should we treat it? But is the idea of God really an idea that reaches out to

something beyond, and distinct from, the familiar? Perhaps God is merely the product of

mundane social and psychological processes.

Students will be introduced to three related discussions that centre around the idea of God.

The chosen topics will not only introduce candidates to issues developed in A2 philosophy of

religion, but also relate to issues addressed in the texts: Humes An Enquiry Concerning

Human Understanding,

DescartesMeditations, NietzschesBeyond Good and Evil, and other themes; in particular,

the genesisof ideas and the parameters of concept application.

The issues to be covered are:

The divine attributes

God has been described as possessing omnipotence, omniscience and supreme

goodness. He is said to be transcendent and immanent and His existence has no beginning or

end, being either eternal or everlasting. What are we to understand by these attributes and

how do they apply?

Are these divine attributes singularly or mutually coherent?

Reading:a) P Vardy: The Puzzle of God section 4 (chps 13 and 14)b) JL Mackie: The Miracle of Theism chp 9


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c) TV Morris: The Concept of Godd) GJ Hughes: The Nature of Gode) P Vardy and J Arliss: The Thinkers guide to God 2003 chp7

Questions:

The concept of God is incoherent. Discuss. (30) (2009)

Explain and illustrate the claim that if God is eternal then He cannot be omniscient. (15)(Exemplar)

The ontological argument Attempts to demonstrate a priori that if Gods existence is conceivable then God must exist

Gods being is necessary.

Strengths and weaknesses of ontological arguments for Gods existence.

Reading:

a) P Vardy: op cit chp 8b) JL Mackie op cit chp 3c) M Lacewing: Philosophy for AS pp 145d)

B Garrett: What is this thing called Metaphysics? chp 1 p 7e) P Vardy and J Arliss: The Thinkers guide to God 2003 chp 6

Questions:

Explain and illustrate onecriticism of the ontological argument. (15) (2009)

Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the ontological argument. (30) Exemplar

The origins of God

The claim that the idea of God is innate within all of us and the difficulties surrounding

that claim.

Attempts to explain how the idea of God is merely a human construction and projection

that emerges from mundane social or psychological processes.

Reading:

a) M Lacewing: op cit pp 149-158b) D Dennett: Breaking the Spell: Religion as a natural Phenomenon. 2007Questions:

Discuss the view that God is a social construct providing a sense of community and moral

authority.


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Second Module: An Introduction to Philosophy 2

PHIL2:Knowledge of the External World

This unit explores in greater depth the epistemological account of knowledge that is empiricism. It

raises both epistemological and metaphysical questions concerning the nature and extent of human

experience. General reading: Cardinal, Hayward and Jones: Epistemology chp 4, and M Lacewing:

Philosophy for AS.

The issues covered are:

Topic 1 Realism

What are the immediate objects of perception? Do physical objects have the properties weperceive in them? Is the common sense view nave? Do sceptical arguments cast doubt on the

common sense view?

The secondary qualities thesis: does this establish that only the primary qualities of objects areobjectively real? Characteristics of primary and secondary qualities.

Reading:

a) M Williams: Problems of Knowledge chp12 Realism and Truthb) Horner and Westacott: Thinking through Philosophy pp 37-45c) M Lacewing: Philosophy for AS pp 201-205 and 215 et seqd) Cardinal, Hayward Jones: Epistemology pp 85-98Questions:

a) Briefly explain one reason why nave realism is thought to be problematic. (6) (2008)Topic 2 Representative Realism

Do sceptical arguments establish the sense data theory? Examples of sceptical arguments:illusion; perceptual variation, science inspired arguments, time lags. Differences between

sense-data and physical objects. Could we know of a relation between sense data and physical objects? Could the existence of

the external world be a hypothesis?

Reading:

a) Cardinal, Hayward Jones: Epistemology pp 98-104b) M Lacewing: Philosophy for AS pp 205-9 and 222-228

Questions:

a) (exemplar) How things appear to me is only my representation of the way the world is.Discuss (30)

b) Assess whether it is useful to refer to subjective items such as sense data or ideas in order toexplain our perceptual knowledge. (24) (2008)

Topic 3 Idealism

Should physical objects be regarded as collections of ideas or sense data? Are there goodreasons for accepting idealism, eg solving the problem of material substance, consistency with

empiricism, no linking problem?

Inherent difficulties with idealism; problem of unperceived objects, availability of simpler,more systematic alternatives and confusion in the use of the term data

Idealism: that which is immediately perceived are ideas, which exist only in the mind.

(Berkeley)

Reading:

a) Horner and Westacott: Thinking through Philosophy pp45 et seqb) JO Urmson: Berkeleyc) Cardinal, Hayward Jones: Epistemology pp 105-120d) M Lacewing: Philosophy for AS pp 209-215, and 228-232


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New Syllabus Questions:

i) (exemplar) Explain and illustrate two weaknesses of Idealism (15)

ii) Explain and illustrate two criticisms of idealism. (15) (2008)

i) Outline and illustrate the differences between sense data and physical objects. (15) 2009

ii) The existence of the external world is a reasonable hypothesis. Consider what could be saidboth for and against this view. (30) 2009

Legacy questions:

i) Briefly explain the view that our senses only inform us about how things seem.(6)(Specimen)

ii) Outline and illustrate two arguments which might be used to support a representative theoryof perception. (15) (Specimen)

iii) Assess the case for nave realism. (24) (Specimen)i) Identify two differences between nave realism and representative realism. (6) (2003)ii) Explain and illustrate one criticism of nave realism. (15) (2003)iii) Assess representative realism. (24) (2003)i) Briefly explain one difference between idealism and phenomenalism (6) (2005)

ii) Explain and illustrate why dreaming may lead to scepticism about our perceptual knowledge

(15) (2005)

iv) Assess nave realism. (24) (2005)i) Briefly explain what philosophers mean by the primary qualities of an object (6) (2006)

ii) Outline and illustrate how illusion creates a problem concerning perceptual knowledge. (15)

iii) Assess representative realism. (24)

i) Identify two ways in which sense data differ from physical objects. (6) (2002)ii)

Explain and illustrate the distinction, made, for example in representative realism, between theprimary and secondary qualities of objects. (15) (2002)

iii) Assess phenomenalism. (24) (2002)

PHIL2 (b): Free Will and DeterminismThis topic connects withAn Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding; in which Hume

discussesthe issue of liberty and necessity and seems to propose a form of soft determinism.

The belief thathuman beings can act freely is central to Descartesdualism; it is relevant to a

number of moral, political andreligious philosophy themes.The issues to be covered are:

What is determinism?

Determinism defined as the belief that a determinate set of conditions can only produce one possible

outcome given fixed laws of nature; distinguished from fatalism, the religious notion of predestination

and predictability. Chance as compatible with determinism.

Determinism and human action. All human action as the inevitable result of environmental and

hereditary factors. Human action as subject to natural laws. The experience of free will as an illusion.

Reading;

a) Robert Young The Implications of Determinism BlackwellsA Companion to Ethicsp 534b) Michael Palmer Moral Problems chapter 7 Determinism and Free Willc) B Garrett: What is this thing called Metaphysics? chp 7d) T Honderich: How free are you?: The Determinism Problem 2002


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Questions:

a) (exemplar) Explain and illustrate what is meant by determinism. (15)b) Contrast determinism with fatalism, illustrating your answer. (15) 2009

Explore the claim that We make the choices we do because of our nature (30) 2009

What is free will?

Free will as requiring indeterminism. The view that free will requires a gap in universal causality.

Human decision-making as occupying a special place outside of the natural order.

Free will as compatible with determinism. Voluntary action as defined in terms of the type of cause

from which it issues: soft determinism. Voluntary action as causally determined and yet distinguishable

from psychologically or physically constrained action.

Reading:

a) John Martin Fischer Free Will and Moral Responsibility in Oxford Handbook of EthicalTheory, p 321-356

b) Nigel Warburton Freedom: An Introduction with Readingsc) B Garrett: What is this thing called Metaphysics? chp 7

The implications of determinism

Determinism as undermining moral responsibility. The implications of the view that ought implies

can. The extent to which praise, blame and punishment can be meaningfully employed if determinism

is true.

Reading:

a) David Hume Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals Chapter 10 Liberty andNecessity

b) T Honderich: On Determinism and freedom 2005c) P Vardy and J Arliss: The Thinkers guide to Evil 2003 chp 11

Questions:a) (exemplar) To what extent are determinism and morality compatible? (30)

Determinism as undermining rationality. The distinction between reasons and causes. The distinction

between action and bodily movement.

PHIL2 (c): God and the World

For some, that the world is as it is suffices to justify their belief in God. For others, the

existence of God is incompatible with the world as they find it. Do facts about this world

make Gods existence more or less plausible? What kinds of arguments support ourconclusions and what are their limitations? How do we decide on the right way to describe the

world and from what perspective? If the evidence cannot determine whether the existence of

God is more or less likely, then should we see the disagreement as merely a reflection of

different personal feelings, attitude and commitments?

Students will be introduced to two arguments: one for the existence of God (the argument

from design) and one against the existence of God (the problem of evil). These are a

posteriori arguments for the existence of God.

The chosen topics not only introduce ideas that are developed further in other parts of the

course, but link to themes in HumesAn Enquiry Concerning HumanUnderstanding

regarding the nature, uses and limits of empirical observation.

The issues to be covered are:


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The argument from design

Argumentsfor design based on apparent order and purpose and challenges to those

arguments.

Argumentsfrom design (analogy, the inadequacies of naturalistic explanations) and

challenges to those arguments.

Reading:

a) JL Mackie: The Miracle of Theismb) P Vardy: The Puzzle of God

Questions:

a) (exemplar) Explain and illustrate two criticisms of the claim that the Universe showsdesign. (15)

b) Assess whether God designed the world is a reasonable hypothesis. (30) (2009)

The problem of evil

That the existence of evil counts against the existence of an all loving and all powerful God.

Moral and natural evil and their relation to one another.

Attempts to reconcile the evil we perceive with the existence of God (the free will defence, the best

of all possible worlds, soul making and the afterlife).

Reading:

a) W Rowe: God and The Problem of Evil 2001b) Clack and Clack: The Philosophy of Religion Chp 3 Ic) JL Mackie: The Miracle of Theismd) DZ Philipps: The Problem of Evil and the Problem of Gode) P Vardy: The Puzzle of Evilf) B Garrett: What is this thing called Metaphysics? chp 1 p13g) P Vardy and J Arliss: The Thinkers Guide to Evil 2003Questions:a) (exemplar): God allows suffering in order to develop our souls How convincing is

this approach o the problem of evil? (30)

b) Explain and illustrate two ways in which a world without pain and suffering could be

less good than a world with pain and suffering. (15) (2009)

The religious point of view

Consideration of the claim that the world can accommodate different perspectives (seeing as).

The status of the religious hypothesis; is it a hypothesis at all? Consideration of the claim that

religious belief mirrors the feelings, attitudes and commitments of the religious rather than facts

about the world

Reading:

a) AJ Ayer: Language Truth and Logic


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A2 course.

PHIL3:Epistemology and MetaphysicsMaterial covered in this theme complements the textual study of HumesAn Enquiry Concerning

Human Understanding, and DescartesMeditations in Unit 4. Given the fundamental nature of

metaphysics itself, strong links can also be drawn between this and other A2 themes, particularly

philosophy of mind. The topics include:

The refutation of scepticism

The nature of the sceptics challenge: how sceptical arguments connect to the problem of justifying

beliefs we hold, how we can move from appears so to is so. Our vulnerability to error and the

existence of states of mind qualitatively indistinguishable from states appropriate for acquiring

justified beliefs.

The problem stated:

a) R Scruton: Modern Philosophy chp 2

b) (ed) Grayling: Philosophy a guide through the subject vol 1 chp 1c) AJ Ayer: The Problem of Knowledge chp 2 1956

d) B Russell: Problems of Philosophy chps 1-4 ** 1924

Questions:

i) Explain and illustrate the role of doubt in the search for knowledge. (15) (2002)ii) Briefly explain what is meant by total or global scepticism. (6) (2003)Traditional answers to Scepticism

General:

a) AC Grayling: The Refutation of Scepticism 1985, and Scepticism and the possibility ofknowledge 2008 ***

b) Bernecker and Dretske: Knowledge readings in contemporary epistemology chp 23 P Unger:A defence of Scepticism

c) M Williams: Problems of Knowledge conclusion: Epistemology after Scepticism?d) DW Hamlyn: The Theory of Knowledge chp 2e) L. Wittgenstein: On Certainty

Responses to scepticism: mitigated scepticism, the view that scepticism is not a practical option;

transcendental arguments, how experience is constituted; phenomenalism, the denial of the gap

between appearance and reality; the view that the starting point for sceptical arguments is

unintelligible. The strengths and weaknesses of these approaches.

Knowledge, belief and justification

Belief: the dual-component view of belief (as advanced by, for example, Hume); realist and

instrumentalist notions of belief, behaviour and action; whether beliefs can be voluntary.

Knowledge: the tripartite definition of knowledge; internalist and externalist theories of

justification; Gettier-type objections to the tripartite definition and responses to Gettier, for example

indefeasibility, whether beliefs are appropriately caused, whether they track the truth. Whether

such approaches and responses are successful.

Reading:

a) I Scheffler: Conditions of Knowledge chp 3

b) AJ Ayer: The problem of Knowledge chp 1

c) Dancy: op cit chp 2

d) Bernecker and Dretske: Knowledge readings in contemporary epistemology chps 1-6

e) D Pritchard: What is this thing called Knowledge?

f) M Williams: op cit chp 2 et seqg) Greco and Sosa: Blackwell guide to Epistemology pp 99 et seq


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Questions:

i) Assess the view that justified true belief is not the same as knowledge. (24) (2002 and 2007)

ii) Explain and illustrate how knowledge differs from true belief (15) 2005

iii) Assess whether knowledge requires the impossibility of doubt (24) (2005)

Universals and particulars

Are there only particulars such that general terms refer to the resemblances between them

(nominalism)? Are general terms mind-dependent classificatory schemes? Do the referents of

general terms, or universals, exist? Do we need universals in order to explain our ability to

recognise, categorise and generalise about particulars? Are we bound to accept the reality of

at least certain types of universal? The strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.

Reading:

a) AC Grayling: Philosophy- A Guide through the Subject vol 1b) Crane and Farkas: Metaphysics- a guide and anthology part IVc) B Russell: The Problems of Philosophy. Chps 9 and 10d) B Garrett: What is this thing called Metaphysics? chp 3

Question:

a) (Exemplar) Assess the view that there are such things as universals. (50) Whether metaphysics is speculative nonsense or essential to intellectual enquiry. Can we have

knowledge of a world beyond sense experience? The implications of verification and falsification for

the status and meaning of metaphysical statements. The view that all epistemological positions, such as

realism and idealism, are underpinned by metaphysics.

Reading:

a) AJ Ayer: Language Truth and Logic.b) D Pritchard: What is this thing called Knowledge?c) Crane and Farkas: Metaphysics a guide and anthology part II

Questions:a) (exemplar) Assess the value and extent of knowledge which is necessarily true. (50)

Objective knowledge

Is objective and absolute knowledge possible? Can we make absolute judgements regarding

alternative belief systems, eg the beliefs held in other cultures?

Is relativism scepticism in disguise; whether relativism and contingency invite inertia in certain fields

of human activity.

Reading:

a) D Pritchard: What is this thing called Knowledge?b) R. Rorty: Contingence, Irony and Solidarity.c) K Ansell-Pearson and D Large: The Nietzsche Reader 2005


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Reductive accounts of the mind

Logical behaviourism, the logical analysis of mental concepts in terms of behaviour; identity theories,

type and token versions of the ontological reduction of minds and mental processes to brains and brain

processes; functionalist theories, machine and teleological versions of the reduction of mental states to

a causal role; eliminative materialism, the attempt to rid ourselves of folk psychology completely.

Arguments for and against these positions.

On Mind-Body Identity:

Reading:

a) KT Maslin: chp 3 and 6 on non-reductive Monismb) Tim Crane: Elements of Mind chps 14, 15 and 16c) Heil: Philosophy of Mind chp 3d) JJC Smart: Sensations and Brain Processes.e) William Lyons: Nothing but the brain in: Matters of the Mind (see also his section on Chinese

Puzzles for a criticism pp 162-174)

Questions:

i) Assess the view that the mind is the brain. (2003)

ii) Describe and illustrate two ways in which mental states allegedly differ from brain states. (2002)

iii) Describe and illustrate two reasons for holding that mental states are brain states. (18) 2004

On Behaviourism:

a) G Ryle: The Concept of Mindb) W Lyons: Observing the Human Animal in: Matters of Mindc) Maslin on Psycho-physical causation: chp 7 See also Rita Carter, and the Libet experiments.d) Maslin on Functionalism: chp 5e) Tim Crane: Elements of Mind chp 23 on Qualia, chps 24 and 25 on intentionalityf) Heil: Chapter 2Questions:

i) Assess the view that talk about mental states is talk about actual or potential behaviour. (2002)

ii) Describe an illustrate two criticisms of logical (philosophical) behaviourism. (18) 2005/2009iii) (exemplar) The behaviour-disposition account of mental states offered by logical behaviourism is

vague, false and fails to explain why we behave in the way we do. Critically assess logical

behaviourism in the light of these claims. (50)

On Functionalism

a) Maslin chp 5

b) J Searle: The Mystery of Consciousness

c) T Crane: The Mechanical Mind

d) Smith and Jones: op cit chp 12 on functionalism

f) Heil, op cit chp 4 on FunctionalismQuestions:

a) Assess the functionalist view of mental states. (32) 2005b) Assess whether functionalist explanations provide an adequate account of mentality. (32)

2008

On Eliminativism:

a) P Churchland: Matter and Consciousness and P Churchland: Neurophilosophy

b) R N Mc Cauley: The Churchlands and their critics

c) W Hirstein: On the Churchlands

Questions:

Can existing mental terms be eliminated as folk psychology?

The features of consciousness thought to resist reduction: particularly qualia and intentionality.

Reading:

a) D Dennett: Consciousness Explained

b) D Dennett: Sweet Dreams

c) PMS Hacker: On what it is like to be a bat (internet article)


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d) M Tye: Ten Problems of Consciousness ***

e) S Blackmore: Consciousness- an introduction *******

Questions:

Describe and illustrate what philosophers mean by qualia and explain the significance of this concept.

18 (2008)

Assess the claim that consciousness is irreducible. (32) (2009)

The hard problem of consciousness: how is it that some physical organisms are subjects of

experience, how does the water of the brain give rise to the rich wine of consciousness? Whether

zombies are conceivable and possible. Whether artificial intelligence is intelligent.

Reading:

a) D Chalmers: The Conscious Mind

b) C McGinn: The Character of Mind and: Consciousness and its objects

c) Rita Carter: Consciousness ***

d) J Searle: The Mystery of Consciousness

e) D Dennett: Consciousness explained and Quining Qualia

f) T Nagel: What it is like to be a Bat in Mortal Questions (and Chalmers collection)

g) W Lyons: Matters of Mind chps 5-7 esp The Bogey of Consciousness

h) M Tye: Ten Problems of Consciousness ***i) S Blackmore: Consciousness- an introduction *******

Assess the claim that consciousness is irreducible. (32) (2009)

Non-reductive materialism

The view of consciousness as an emergent or supervenient property of the brain (or other suitably

complex physical system). Biological naturalism or anomalous monism. Arguments and difficulties for

such positions.

Reading:

a) David Chalmers: The Conscious Mind.b) Maslin op cit; chp 6

c) J Kim: Supervenience and the Mind

Question:

Assess Epiphenomenalism as a theory of mind.

What is supervenience? does it lead straight to epiphenomenalism?

Whether such views are materialist or versions of property dualism. Accounts of mental causation:

how can we explain, or explain away, the belief that mental states such as reasons, beliefs, sensations

and emotions are causes of actions.

On psycho-physical causation: The problem of explaining the relationship between mentality and

physicality.

A) Maslin: Chp 7

b) Jaegwon Kim: Mind in a Physical WorldQuestions:

i) Assess whether theories of the relationship between mind and body have successfully accounted for

mental causation. (2002)

See also: Blackwells Companion to the Philosophy of Mind.

Students might also supplement their reading by looking at:

a) Paul Broks: Into the Silent landb) O Sacks: The Man Who Mistook his wife for a Hat and The Anthropologist on Marsc) N Humphrey: The History of the Mind and The Mind made Fleshd) D Dennett: Brainstorms


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PHIL3 (c):Moral PhilosophyThis question encourages students to consider a range of possibilities, from moral truth as based on

transcendent Platonic forms to the denial of moral truth altogether. This unit is also concerned with

moral decisions.

Should moral decisions be made in terms of consequences alone, or are moral rights, duties andprinciples, which have intrinsic value independent of consequences, paramount?

Moral truth

Moral truth as God-independent transcendent truth, the analogy with mathematical truths, the belief

in Platonic forms as the archetypal example of his view, moral elitism, moral knowledge and of

weakness of will; moral truth as based on natural facts, eg the view that what is morally desirable is to

be understood in terms of what is in fact desired, the open question argument and the naturalistic

fallacy; moral truth as based on relational properties which provide reasons for action; the analogy

with secondary properties.

Issues relating to the above views: the problem of how knowledge of moral truth is possible; the

possibility of agreement over moral truth; the extent to which such truths can motivate/justify action.

Reading:

a) Michael Smith Realism in BlackwellsA Companion to Ethicsp 399b) Geoffrey Sayre-McCord Moral Realism in Oxford Handbook of Ethical Theoryp 39c) Charles R Pigden Naturalism in BlackwellsA Companion to Ethicsp 421d) Jonathan Dancy Nonnaturalism in Oxford Handbook of Ethical Theoryp 122e) Nicholas Sturgeon Ethical Naturalism in Oxford Handbook of Ethical Theoryp 91f) David Brink Moral Realism and the Foundation of Ethicsg) Michael Smith The Moral Problem

The denial of moral truth

Moral judgements as social conventions relative to a given social group, the distinction between

descriptive and normative relativism; moral judgements as serving a non-descriptive function, either

emotivism orprescriptivism.

Reading:

a) James Dreier: Moral Relativism and Moral Nihilism in Oxford Handbook of Ethical Theoryp240-265.

b) David Wong: Relativism in BlackwellsA Companion to Ethicsp 442c) R. M. Hare Universal prescriptivism in BlackwellsA Companion to Ethicsp 451

Questions:

a) (exemplar) Examine the difficulties moral realists face in explaining how our moral beliefscommit us to certain actions.

b)

Briefly explain what prescriptivism involves.

Issues relating to the above views: the possibility of judging the abhorrent practices of other

cultures/individuals; the possibility of moral progress and moral mistakes; the extent to which we can

value what we like.

Reading:

Questions:

a) (2007) Assess whether relativism implies that we ought to be tolerant of moral values whichdiffer from our own. (24)

Moral decisions

The extent to which an action maximises happiness as the sole criterion by which its value can be

judged, consideration of act, rule and preference utilitarianism. The strengths and weaknesses ofutilitarian positions.


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Reading:

a) David Brink Some Forms and Limits of Consequentialism in Oxford Handbook of EthicalTheory p 380

b) Philip Pettit Consequentialism BlackwellsA Companion to Ethicsp 230c) Robert E Goodin Utility and the good in BlackwellsA Companion to Ethicsp 241

Questions:a) (2005) Briefly explain the difference between act and rule utilitarianism. (6)b) (2005) Assess Utilitarianism (24)c) (2008) Assess whether any form of utilitarianism provides an adequate account of what it is

to act morally. (24)

d) (2002) Assess whether utilitarianism can help us to decide if it is ever morally right to kill.(24)

e) (2006) Explain and illustrate two criticisms of utilitarianism. (15)f) (Exemplar) Is Utilitarianism compatible with having integrity in ones moral opinions and

behaviour? (50)

The view that moral rights, duties and principles, which are not based on consequences, are

required to make ethical decisions and the strengths and weaknesses of these positions.

Kants attempt to provide a rational grounding for a deontological ethics, the importance of motivationin making moral decisions.

Reading:

a) David McNaughton and Piers Rawling Deontology in Oxford Handbook of Ethical Theoryp424

b) Thomas E. Hill, Jr, Kantian Normative Ethics in Oxford Handbook of Ethical Theoryp 480c) Nancy Davis Contemporary deontology in BlackwellsA Companion to Ethicsp 205d) Jonathan Dancy An ethic of prima facie duties in BlackwellsA Companion to Ethicsp 219e) Onora ONeill Kantian Ethics BlackwellsA Companion to Ethicsp 175f) Immanuel Kant The Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals

Questions:

a)

(2007) Assess deontological ethics. (24)

Practical wisdom as the capacity to make informed, rational judgements without recourse to

a formal decision procedure such as the hedonic calculus or the categorical imperative. The

strengths and weaknesses of these positions.

Reading:

a) Julia Annas Virtue Ethics in Oxford Handbook of Ethical Theoryp 515b) Peter Railton Humean Theory of Practical Rationality in Oxford Handbook of Ethical

Theoryp 265

The above views should be discussed in relation to at least one practical ethical problem, eg the value

of life: abortion, euthanasia; our treatment of the natural environment, non-human animals, and those

in poverty, etc.Reading:

a) See Part V Applications in BlackwellsA Companion to Ethicsp 270-315, 343-354b) Peter Vardy The Puzzle of Ethics Part 2c) Robert Bowie Ethical Studies part 3d)

Questions:

a) (2007) Briefly explain how rule utilitarianism might be applied to any one of the following:Abortion; our treatment of animals; euthanasia. (6)


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PHIL4 Philosophical Problems

(a):Meditations -Rene DescartesEssay questions will focus on the following problem areas:

certainty God mind and body.

Supporting texts:

a) John Cottingham: Descartes.b) G Hatfield: Routledge Philosophy Guidebook to Descartes and the "Meditations

c) Jones Hayward and Cardinal: The Meditations Rene Descartes. (Philosophy in Focus)

Meditations reading necessary:

Meditations: I, II, III, V and VI

Sceptical doubt and its use in the quest for certainty. The waves of doubt applications of the method.

The possibility of total deception. Absolute certainty of the cogito and its implications. Arguments for

distinguishing mind and body. The essential natures of mind and body, the wax example and its

purposes. The role of the imagination. The proof of material things. Descartes rationalism the role of

clear and distinct ideas. Trademark argument. The ontological argument. The role of God in Descartes

system. The relations of mind and body, independence and the intermingling thesis.

Topic 1: Meditation I

Sceptical doubt and its use in the quest for certainty. The waves of doubt applications of the method.

Some reading:

a) Cottingham: Descartes pp29 et seq Chapter on Cartesian Method

b) G Thomson: On Descartes Chp 3 Rules for a method; .and chp 5: The Challenge of Doubt.

c) James Hill: Descartes dreaming argument and why we might be sceptical of it Richmond Journal

no. 8 Winter 2004

d) G Hatfield: Routledge Philosophy Guide to Descartes chp 1

e) Richmond Journal of Philosophy Winter 2004; Keith Crome: On Descartes evil demon

Questions:

a) Critically assess Descartes use and application of the method of doubt. (25)b) Outline the method of doubt and its purpose (10) (2007)

Topic 2: Meditation II

Arguments for distinguishing mind and body. Absolute certainty of the cogito and its implications. The

essential natures of mind and body, the wax example and its purposes.

a) On res cogitans: Cottingham: Descartes pp 111- et seq the nature of mind. Problems of dualism.

b) G Thomson: On Descartes: chp 6 The Cogito

c) On Mind: G Thomson: On Descartes Animals and Machines chp 9

d) G Hatfield: Routledge Philosophy Guide to Descartes chp 4

Questions:

a) Assess whether Descartes succeeds in establishing his first certainty. (25) 2005

b) Assess Descartes case for claiming that mind and body are separate and distinct. (25) 2004 & 2007

c) Describe Descartes wax example and evaluate the conclusions he draws from it. (25) (2002)

d) Outline Descartes indivisibility argument for distinguishing mind and body. (10) (2006)

e) Assess whether Descartes succeeds in establishing a certain foundation for knowledge. (25) (2009)f) Outline any three of Descartes arguments for distinguishing mind and body. (10) (2009)

g) (New Syll exemplar) The mind may exist without the body Examine whether Descartes succeeds

in establishing dualism. (45)

Topic 3: Meditation III

Trademark argument. The role of God in Descartes system.

a) Cottingham: Descartes pp 48 et seq

b) Role of God: Cottingham: Descartes pp 70 et seq

c) Problems: The Cartesian Circle issue - Cottingham: Descartes pp66-70

d) G Thomson: On Descartes: chp 7 God Brings the World

e) G Hatfield: Routledge Philosophy Guide to Descartes chp 5

Questions:

i) Outline Descartes Trademark Argument for the existence of God. (10) (2004)ii) Discuss whether Descartes succeeds in establishing the existence of God. (25) (2008)


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Topic 4: Meditation V

The ontological argument for God. The role of the imagination.

a) Cottingham: Descartes pp 57 et seq

b) On the Material Universe: Cottingham pp79 et seq

c) On sensation and imagination: Cottingham: pp 122 et seq

d) G Hatfield: Routledge Philosophy Guide to Descartes chp 7Questions:

a) Describe Descartes ontological argument for the existence of God. (10) (2002)b) Assess Descartes ontological argument for the existence of God (25) (2006)c) (New Syll Exemplar) Outline and illustrate Descartes ontological argument. (15)

Topic 5: Meditation VI

The proof of material things. The relations of mind and body, independence and the intermingling

thesis.

a) G Thomson: On Descartes chp 8 Matter

b) G Hatfield: Routledge Philosophy Guide to Descartes chp 8

Questions:

a) Explain Descartes example of the pilot and the ship and its relation to the interminglingthesis. (10) 2005

b) Briefly explain why Descartes thinks bodies probably exist. (6) (2007)c) Briefly explain Descartes account of the mind-body relation. (6) (2008)d) (Exemplar) Assess whether Descartes establishes the existence of physical objects. (45)

(2008)

The Board indicate that candidates will need to demonstrate knowledge of:

the method of doubt and its purpose

total deception. Absolute certainty of the cogito and its implications

arguments for distinguishing mind and body: knowledge argument, appeal to Gods omnipotence and

indivisibility

essential natures of mind and body; Descartes rationalism, the wax example and its purposes

clear and distinct ideas. Intellect and imagination and their respective roles the proof of material things. The role of God and the ontological proof

mind body independence and the intermingling thesis (pilot and ship).


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PHIL4 Philosophical Problems

(b):Enquiries David HumeEssay questions will focus on the following problem areas:

empiricism

cause and effect

free will.

General texts:

Anthony Flew, David Hume, Philosopher of Moral Science Georges Dicker, Humes Epistemology & Metaphysics David Fate Norton, The Cambridge Companion to Hume

Topic 1:

the relation between impressions and ideas; what Hume means by these terms

Reading:

o Humes Enquiry Section 2 Of the Origin of Ideaso

Jeremy J White A Humean Critique of David Humes Theory of KnowledgeChapter IV, Section II, p43

o Antony Flew, Humes Philosophy of Belief; A Study of His First Inquiry, Chapter2 Private Images and Public Language p 18.

Questions:

a) Critically assess Humes claim that all our ideas must originate in preceding impressions. (25)(2003)

b) Explain and illustrate Humes distinction between ideas and impressions. (11) (2005&2008)c) Assess Humes claim that all ideas are dependent on sense impressions. (25) (2007)d) Assess Humes radical empiricism. (Exemplar, New Syll)

Topic 2:

the principles of association and what they are intended to explain

Reading:o Humes Enquiry Section 3 Of the Association of Ideaso Jeremy J White A Humean Critique of David Humes Theory of Knowledge

Chapter IV, Section III, p55

o Antony Flew, Humes Philosophy of Belief; A Study of His First Inquiry, Chapter2 Private Images and Public Language p 18.

Questions:

a) Outline and illustrate Humes Principles of Association and state what they are intended toexplain. (11) (2007)

b) Assess Humes account of the origin of our ideas. (25) (2009)Topic 3:

the distinction between relations of ideas and matters of fact (Humes fork) the scope of each.Reading:

o Humes Enquiry Section 4 Sceptical Doubts Concerning the Operations of theUnderstanding

o Jeremy J White A Humean Critique of David Humes Theory of KnowledgeChapter IV, Section IV, 61

o Antony Flew, Humes Philosophy of Belief; A Study of His First Inquiry, Chapter3 The Great Divide p 53.

Questions:

a) (exemplar) Outline and illustrate the two kinds of knowledge distinguished by Hume. (15)b) Explain and illustrate Humes distinction between matters of fact and relations of ideas. (11)

(2003)

Topic 4:

the nature of belief and imagination and the difference between them


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Reading:

Humes Enquiry Section 5 Sceptical Solution of these Doubts Jeremy J White A Humean Critique of David Humes Theory of Knowledge

Chapter IV, Section V, p79

Antony Flew, Humes Philosophy of Belief; A Study of His First Inquiry, ChapterIV Arguments from Experience p 68.

Questions:

Topic 5:

the analysis of causation in terms of constant conjunction the role of custom and repetition

Reading:

Humes Enquiry Section 5 Sceptical Solution of these Doubts Jeremy J White A Humean Critique of David Humes Theory of Knowledge

Chapter IV, Section V, p79

Antony Flew, Humes Philosophy of Belief; A Study of His First Inquiry, ChapterV The Nature and the Mechanics of Empirical Belief p 93.

Questions:

Topic 6:

Humes definitions of cause

Reading:

Humes Enquiry Section 7 Of the Idea of Necessary Connection Jeremy J White A Humean Critique of David Humes Theory of Knowledge

Chapter IV, Section VII, p 119

Questions:

a) Assess the adequacy of Humes definitions of cause (25) (2005)

Topic 7:

the idea of necessary connection and the search for its origin Humes solution to the problemReading:

Humes Enquiry Section 7 Of the Idea of Necessary Connection Jeremy J White A Humean Critique of David Humes Theory of Knowledge

Chapter IV, Section VII, p 119

Antony Flew, Humes Philosophy of Belief; A Study of His First Inquiry, Chapter6 The Idea of Necessary Connection p 108.

Questions:

a) Critically assess Humes account of how we acquire the concept of necessary connection (25)(2004)

b) Assess Humes account of the origin of the idea of necessary connection. (25) 2008Topic 8:

the attempt to reconcile free will and determinism; the diagnosis of the nature of the problem, Humes

account of what is meant by liberty and necessity

Reading:

Humes Enquiry Section 8 Of Liberty and Necessity Jeremy J White A Humean Critique of David Humes Theory of Knowledge

Chapter IV, Section VIII, p119

Questions:

a) (exemplar) There is no conflict between the notions of liberty and necessity. Assess whetherHume has succeeded in resolving the free will problem.

b) Outline Humes attempt to show that liberty is compatible with necessity. (11) (2004)c) Outline Humes analysis of liberty and necessity and its purpose. (11) (2009)


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Topic 9:

past experience rationality and probability in relation to belief in miracles.

Reading:

Humes Enquiry Section 6 Of Probability and Section 10 Miracles Jeremy J White A Humean Critique of David Humes Theory of Knowledge

Chapter IV, Section X, p147

Antony Flew, Humes Philosophy of Belief; A Study of His First Inquiry, ChapterVIII Miracles and Methodology p 166 and Chapter IX, The Religious Hypothesis

p 214

R Fogelin: A defense of Hume on Miracles 2003Questions:

Other questions:

Outline and illustrate the two kinds of knowledge distinguished by Hume. (15) Exemplar New Syll

The Board indicate that candidates will need to show an understanding of:

the relation between impressions and ideas; what Hume means by these terms

the principles of association and what they are intended to explain

the distinction between relations of ideas and matters of fact (Humes fork) the scope of each

the nature of belief and imagination and the difference between them

the analysis of causation in terms of constant conjunction the role of custom and repetition

Humes definitions of cause

the idea of necessary connection and the search for its origin Humes solution to the problem

the attempt to reconcile free will and determinism; the diagnosis of the nature of the problem, Humes

account of what is meant by liberty and necessity

past experience rationality and probability in relation to belief in miracles.

REF

August 2009

philosophy as-a2 scheme of work and course plan

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