Introduction

Without the mind, there won't be any ...

  • Art, culture, science and technology
  • Humanities and social sciences
  • Moral and political values

Major philosophical / empirical issues relating to the mind

  • The mind-body problem, a metaphysical problem - how does the mind relate to the brain? Aspects of the mind-body problem
    • Freewill - making decisions, choosing what to do
    • Consciousness - feelings, sensations, emotions
    • Intentionality
  • Two epistemological problems
    • The other minds problem - How do we know the existence of other minds?
    • The problem of solipsism - Is my own mind the only thing that exists?
  • The human / non-human divide - Do other animals have minds? How are they different from those of human beings?

Why philosophy?