Prospectus

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Philosophy of Psychology I: Natural History of Mind I

Course
2010-2011

Admission requirements

Admission to this course is restricted to MA students in Philosophy of a Specific Discipline, specialisation Philosophy of Psychology. Advanced knowledge of philosophy of mind and/or cognitive science is required.

Description

The past decade has seen a surge of interest in the origins of the modern mind, headed by Merlin Donald’s modern classic, Origins of the Modern Mind: Three Stages in the Evolution of Culture and Cognition (1991). Work in paleoanthropology and cognitive archeology, combined with studies in historical, cultural, and developmental psychology, is challenging the ahistorical bias of cognitive psychology at large, and puts under pressure the received idea that mankind forms a psychological unity. In this course we shall read and discuss a cross-section from recent work in evolutionary psychology and palaeoanthropology.

Course objectives

Course objectives will be posted on Blackboard by the start of the course.

Timetable

See Timetables Master’s Programmes 2010-2011

Mode of instruction

Depending on the number of students, this course will be taught either as a full seminar or in the form of individual tutorials.

Assessment method

  • Oral and written presentations

  • Participation in discussion

  • Paper

Blackboard

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Reading list

  • Syllabus to be announced

Registration

To be announced

Contact information

Dr. J.J.M. Sleutels: jan@sleutels.com

Remarks

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