Use the Tab and Up, Down arrow keys to select menu items.
This course is an introduction to two vibrant and interrelated subfields of philosophy: the philosophy of cognitive science and the philosophy of artificial intelligence. Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of the mind. Its constituent disciplines include psychology, neuroscience, computer science, AI, and philosophy. The philosophy of cognitive science concerns philosophical issues that arise out of the scientific study of the mind. Artificial intelligence is the simulation of certain processes, typically associated with human minds, by machines - especially computer systems. It is an important branch of cognitive science. The philosophy of artificial intelligence concerns itself with those philosophical issues that arise out of reflection upon the possibility of artificial intelligence. Key questions raised in the course include: What is the nature of mind? Are mental processes computational processes? Could a machine have a mind? If a machine were intelligent and conscious, would it have moral significance?
By the end of the course students should have gained:a. The ability to demonstrate in-depth understanding of key philosophical concepts, and familiarity with a series of landmark theories and ideas in the Philosophy of Science.b. An enhanced capacity to use logic and conceptual analysis to diagnose flaws in arguments, and a heightened appreciation for the importance of critical thinking.c. An enhanced ability to work collaboratively with others in evaluating arguments.d. The ability to develop independent research interests and goals.e. An ability to write an essay that explains the key philosophical positions in a given area, which summarizes the principal arguments for and against each position, and which presents the writer’s own point of view.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Any 15 points at 100 level in PHIL, orany 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA or the BSc.
PHIL238 (before 2016)
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Elizabeth Stewart
Domestic fee $948.00
International fee $4,263.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Humanities .