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The Nature of the Mind: An Introduction book cover

1st Edition

The Nature of the Mind An Introduction

By Peter Carruthers Copyright 2004
324 Pages
by Routledge

320 Pages
by Routledge

320 Pages
by Routledge
Also available as eBook on:
The Nature of the Mind is a comprehensive and lucid introduction to major themes in the philosophy of mind. It carefully explores the conflicting positions that have arisen within the debate and locates the arguments within their context. It is designed for newcomers to the subject and assumes no previous knowledge of the philosophy of mind. Clearly written and rigorously presented, this book is... Read more
List of figures Preface Introduction 1. The problem of other minds 1. The problem 2. Attempted solutions to the problem 3. The uniqueness of consciousness 4. Certainty and meaning Conclusion Questions for discussionFurther reading 2. Strong dualism: body and soul 1. Developing an argument for dualism 2. Difficulties for strong dualism 3. Hume'n bundles 4. Against the bundle theory Conclusion Questions for discussion Further reading 3. Identity and the soul 1. The concept of identity 2. Soul identity over time 3. Soul identification at a time4. The argument for dualism reconsidered Conclusion Questions for discussion Further reading 4. Rationalism, empiricism, and the soul 1. Rationalism versus Empiricism 2. Should we be Empiricists?3. The empirical evidence for the soul 4. Alternative explanations Conclusion Questions for discussion Further reading 5. The case for physicalism 1. Arguments for mind-brain identity 2. Ramifications: types, tokens and other minds 3. Difficulties for mind-brain identity 4. The necessity of identity Conclusion Questions for discussion Further reading 6. After-life for physicalists 1. Resurrection 2. Reincarnation 3. Double difficulties or secondary survival? 4. Limits of individual survival Conclusion Questions for discussion Further reading 7. The case for theory-theory 1. From Cartesian conception to philosophical functionalism 2. Theory-theory and its opponents 3. Developing the theory: theorizing versus innateness 4. The problem of other minds revisitedConclusion Questions for discussion Further reading 8. Problems and prospects 1. Artificial minds 2. Free will3. Intentionality 4. Consciousness Conclusion Questions for discussion Further reading Index

Biography

Peter Carruthers is Professor and Chair of Philosophy at the University of Maryland. His recent books include Phenomenal Consciousness (2000), The Philosophy of Psychology (1999) and Language, Thought and Consciousness (1996).

"...an excellent introduction...clearly written, with a rigorous approach...an ideal way to get students to start thinking philosophically, and the questions are of a kind that students find engaging."

Matthew Nudds, Edinburgh University

 "The book is an excellent introductory guide into the actual debates concerned with the nature of the mind...the reader will profit immensely in any case from the clearly written and very well organized overview...Carruthers has a rare talent to present the complexities of arguments in ways amenable even to novices in the field." Metapsychology Online

 

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