Paper topics: 2nd paper

Write a 5-7 page double spaced paper on one of the following topics. Make sure to answer all the questions for your topic. A final draft of your paper is due in class on Thursday, November 14. There will be a late penalty of 1/3 grade for every day (including weekends) that your paper is late. No exceptions!

Topic 1: The Causal Theory
Armstrong and Lewis both advocate the "Causal Theory" of mind. This theory identifies mental states with brain states via a two step process. Describe each of these two steps. (Make sure to explain what a "causal role" is and why it is topic neutral.) David Lewis uses this two step process to explain the cases of "Mad pain" and "Martian pain". Explain what Lewis means by "Mad pain" and "Martian pain", and then explain how the Causal Theory accounts for each. Evaluate Lewis' account of "Mad pain" and "Martian pain".

Sources:
Ch.7 of Armstrong
"Mad Pain and Martian Pain" by David Lewis

Topic 2: Functionalism
According to Functionalism, what's the relationship between mind and brain? What's the difference between Functionalism and the Brain-Identity theory? Is Functionalism a Physicalist theory of the mind? What consequences does Functionalism have for Psychology? Discuss/evaluate one (or maybe two) of the following objections to Functionalism: the inverted spectrum, absent qualia, the problem of inputs and outputs, the Chinese Room.

Sources:
Ch. 9 of Armstrong (focus on section 9.1)
Optional sources for objections to Functionalism:
The Chinese Room—see "Minds, Brains, and Programs" by John Searle
The inverted spectrum, absent qualia—see "Functionalism" by Paul Churchland

Topic 3: Armstrong on Consciousness
Armstrong distinguishes three notions of consciousness: minimal consciousness, perceptual consciousness, and introspective consciousness. Explain each notion in detail. How is introspective consciousness related to perceptual consciousness? Compare Armstrong's account of consciousness to the account given by Descartes. What, according to Armstrong, are some of the purposes of introspective consciousness? (Optional: Discuss some of Flanagan's arguments about the function of consciousness.)

Sources:
Ch. 10 of Armstrong (For a review of Descartes' account of introspective consciousness, see Ch. 2, especially section 2.2.)
(Optional: "Conscious Inessentialism and the Epiphenomenalist Suspicion", by Owen Flanagan. Focus on section 5.)

 

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