Introduction to Contemporary Philosophy

The aim of the course is to acquaint participants with selected problems, theories and ideas of contemporary philosophy. The course shall combine elements of history of contemporary philosophy with more problem-oriented exposition.

Contemporary philosophy is a complex and broad field that embraces problems and ideas closely connected to all branches of science. In fact, several fields of science, psychology included, separated from philosophy rather recently (that is, in the second half of the XIX century) and they remain – in many cases – still closely related to philosophical theories and considerations. The course has two main aims. The first is to sketch a partial landscape of contemporary philosophy – both historical and conceptual. This will enable students to gain basic knowledge of important philosophical ideas and concepts that should be a part of a conceptual framework of every person that attempts at gaining a university degree. The second is to introduce concepts, theories and ideas that are or might be of some importance to contemporary psychology. The course, therefore, shall comprise, among other thing, the discussion of concepts of intentionality and consciousness, the discussion over the so-called psychologism and reasons why it has been rejected by the founding fathers of contemporary philosophy (Frege, Husserl), the discussions over the concept of folk psychology and theories of mindbody problem, the idea of modularity. This shall be supplemented by elementary introduction to some ideas belonging properly to philosophy of science, philosophy of language and even contemporary metaphysics (the popular concept of “possible world” shall be explained during the course).

Readings will be provided by the instructor. Changes in the reading list possible (students will be informed about the changes)

Topic 1: General historical introduction (overview of the contemporary philosophy)

Reading: None

Topics 2 & 3: Brentano school and theories of intentionality

Reading: Chrudzimski, Varieties of intentional objects

Topics 4 & 5: The origins of analytic philosophy: Frege and Russell

Reading 1: Frege, On sense and reference (parts)

Reading 2: Russell, Analysis of Mind (selection)

Topic 6: Philosophy of science: verification, falsification and the demarcation problem

Reading: Bocheński, The methods of contemporary thought, 6-10 and 17-

20

Topic 7: Contemporary philosophy of mind and psychology: the problem of consciousness

Reading: Chalmers, Facing up to the problem of consciousness

Reading: Jackoson, Epiphenomenal qualia

Topic 8: Contemporary philosophy of mind and psychology: folk psychology and eliminativism, modularity

Reading: Churchland, Eliminative materialism and propositional attitudes

Reading: Robbins, Modularity of Mind, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Reading: Dennett, Intentional systems

Topic 9: Contemporary philosophy of language: general introduction

Reading: TBD

Topic 10: Contemporary metaphysics: possibilia and possible worlds

Reading: E.J. Lowe, Possible Worlds

After a successful completion of the course, a student:

 Is familiar with fairly sophisticated philosophical vocabulary

 Can recognize problems as philosophical and identify the best

conceptual tools to tackle them

 Thinks critically about knowledge and develops a habit of questioning

her assumptions

 Gains a general understanding of scientific methods

 Acknowledges the complexity of the problem of human mind and

consciousness

 Learns how to approach pressing moral problems in a sophisticated

manner

 Has the tools to reflect upon political issues philosophically

 has the ability to critically assess textual material

The course implements four assessment methods.

- Participation (10%). The category includes attendance (up to 2

unexcused absences), and, first and foremost, contribution to the

discussion during the lecture. I know you have heard this before, but

this is dead serious!

(Those too shy or otherwise unable to participate during class are

required to signal their respective problems to the instructor and talk

about the material with her during one-on-one meetings or via

email).

- Short and very easy quizzes about the reading material, administered

randomly, at least 8 times (20%)

- Midterm essay (20%) — a fairly simple assignment of 5 pages double

space, on the topic of choice.

Written final exam (50%)

Attendance rules

Two (2) absences are permitted without excuse; if you have a serious

medical problem or condition, you may exceed this limit by bringing a

note from a doctor. Missing more than half the classes results in not

passing the course.