Description
Book SynopsisWe all have minds, but what exactly is a mind? Is your mind the same thing as your brain? How does what’s happening in your mind cause your behaviour? Can you know what’s going on in other people’s minds? Can you even be sure what’s going on in your own? Are babies conscious? How about cats? Or self-driving cars?
Philosophy of mind grapples with questions like these, exploring who we are and how we fit into the world. In this student-friendly guide, McClelland introduces the key ideas in philosophy of mind, showing why they matter and how philosophers have tried to answer them. He covers the major historical moments in philosophy of mind, from Descartes and his troubles with immaterial souls up to today’s ‘consciousness wars’. Additionally, he examines the implications that philosophy of mind has for psychology, artificial intelligence and even particle physics. McClelland lays out the centuries-long dialogue between philosophy and science, presenting a uniquely grounded, practical picture of the field for students.
Rich with real-world examples and written for the absolute beginner, What is Philosophy of Mind? gives students the tools to delve deeper into this dynamic field of philosophy.
Trade Review‘Tom McClelland provides a comprehensive and thoroughly informed introduction to the major topics in contemporary philosophy of mind. This lucid and engaging book is a splendid resource for undergraduates and for the interested public.’
Derk Pereboom, Cornell University
‘This is a lucid and fun introduction based on scholarship as deep as it is lightly worn by a leading philosopher of mind. It’s snappy yet packs in everything you need: history plus a compelling take on the state of the art.’
Stephen Butterfill, Warwick University
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
Chapter 1 The Mind and Its Problems
Chapter 2 Descartes’ Dualism
Chapter 3 The Materialist Turn
Chapter 4 Functionalism and the Computer Revolution
Chapter 5 The Problem of Consciousness
Chapter 6 The Mind Today
Index
