Scientific developments of recent times and the prosperity of new disciplines such as neuroscience and computer science have led many contemporary philosophers to adopt physicalist views of the mind. According to these views, mind is identical to brain, and mental states such as experiences, thoughts and feelings, can be fully explained in terms of physiological processes and states. Such views are consistent with science's goal to find a complete explanation of all phenomena, and they are preferable due to simplicity and parsimony of their theoretical accounts. However, much debate exists about the likelihood of success of this reductive project.

During the semester we will read and discuss several articles presenting arguments for and against physicalism, and learn to analyze the different types and forms of considerations basing the debate.

The grade will be based on writing assignments. Attendance in this course is mandatory.