THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2024/2025

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences : Philosophy

Undergraduate Course: Mind, Matter and Language (PHIL08014)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThe aim of this course is to introduce students to some of the problems and concepts in philosophy of mind and philosophy of language that are central to philosophy. By examining in detail some of the key arguments and texts in philosophy of mind and language it will develop students' ability to understand and be critical of philosophical argument.
Course description Not entered
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements Outside students are welcome to take this course. There are no official pre-requisites, and the course will not presuppose material from previous philosophy courses. However, students should be aware that, as this is a second year course, having a background in philosophy is an advantage.
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesVisiting students should usually have at least 1 introductory level Philosophy course at grade B or above for entry to this course. We will only consider University/College level courses.
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  0
Course Start Semester 1
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 33, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 10, Summative Assessment Hours 2, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 151 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Mid-Term Essay (25%) 1500 words
Final Assignment (70%) 2500 words
Short Assignments (5%)

Feedback Not entered
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of central philosophical positions in philosophy of mind and language.
  2. Critically engage with different views and arguments in the covered areas.
  3. Appreciate the value of abstract philosophical thought.
  4. Reconstruct and evaluate arguments from philosophical texts.
  5. Express philosophical ideas and arguments in writing.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Course URL https://www.ed.ac.uk/ppls/philosophy/current/undergraduate/handbooks
Graduate Attributes and Skills Through the lectures, readings and assessments, students will enhance their learning on how to critically analyse texts and philosophical theories. When reading, students will learn how to read a text to fully understand and deconstruct the argument, and then assess its validity - bringing this skill to the assessment. They will continue developing their analysis skills, learning how to consider all sides and perspectives to an argument before deciding on their stance. Tutorials allow students to develop their ideas, test theories, discuss, debate and consider others' perspectives to cement their understanding of a theory. In the assessments students will develop their written communication and argumentation skill.

Core skills gained on this course:
Critical thinking, critical analysis, considering alternative perspectives, research skills, deconstruct complex theories, public speaking, debating respectfully, clear written communication, writing concisely, adapting tone to audience, resilience/perseverance.
Additional Class Delivery Information Lecturers:
Dr Vierkant
Dr Phillips-Brown
KeywordsPhilosophy of mindPhilosophy of languageMind-body problem IntentionalitySense and reference
Contacts
Course organiserDr Tillman Vierkant
Tel: (0131 6)51 3748
Email: T.Vierkant@ed.ac.uk
Course secretary
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Combined Course Timetable
Prospectuses
Important Information