Philosophy of Neuroscience

The aim of the course is to address some foundational philosophical problems in neuroscience. The course will focus on three areas: 1) the nature of mechanisms in neuroscience; 2) the nature of biological emergence and complexity; and 3) the neurobiological basis of the self.
These areas, not independent of each other, will be investigated through different accounts of the relationship between cognitive phenomena such as perception and memory and the neural mechanisms underpinning such mental functions. This problem, however, is just a part of the more general problem of relating the mind to the brain. How are we to link molecules to mind? Can the mind be wholly decomposed to neural signalling and interacting molecules? Or is the way cells and molecules are organized in circuits, tissues and organs causally and explanatory essential? Perhaps a plausible account of the mind/brain nexus must, explain how mental phenomena are enabled by ‘lower level’ mechanisms, and how emergent ‘higher-level’ structures and processes at the system level can influence their component parts. In short, examining the nature of neural mechanisms and the way these mechanisms are organized in nervous systems may shed light on the fundamental nature of the self, consciousness and the will.

To acquire the knowledge and ability to be able to discuss and evaluate some of the foundational philosophical problems in neuroscience, e.g. the nature of explanation in neuroscience, the relationship(s) between the self and the brain, and in what way neural mechanisms enable consciousness and the will.

Lectures, supervision and self-study. The assessment is based on an essay written with supervision, which makes up 60% of the final grade, and a six-hour written exam (no materials), which makes up 40% of the final grade. Both parts of the form of assessment must be given a pass grade. The written exam aims to test a wide part of the curriculum of the course. In case of retakes, students must redo both exams. Practical information regarding the essay: Date for submission available later. Three hard copies before 2 p.m. to the Department of Philosophy Office or the Department of Neuroscience Office. Length: 15-20 pages using 12-point Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing. Front page: Course code, date, candidate number.