PHIL0435A-S17
Concepts
Concepts: The Stuff of Thought
Concepts are often regarded as “the stuff of thought”: they allow us to categorize the world, learn about it, and navigate through it. But what are they, and how do they relate to reality? In this course we will examine prominent contemporary philosophical theories of concepts, drawing as well on readings from cognitive science and neuroscience. Possible topics include: Is it possible to define concepts? How are they mentally represented? Is reality relative to conceptual schemes? Do concepts give us knowledge of reality or hinder our awareness of it? Is perception nonconceptual? Do animals have concepts? (Junior and senior majors, or by waiver.) 3 hrs. sem.
Concepts are often regarded as “the stuff of thought”: they allow us to categorize the world, learn about it, and navigate through it. But what are they, and how do they relate to reality? In this course we will examine prominent contemporary philosophical theories of concepts, drawing as well on readings from cognitive science and neuroscience. Possible topics include: Is it possible to define concepts? How are they mentally represented? Is reality relative to conceptual schemes? Do concepts give us knowledge of reality or hinder our awareness of it? Is perception nonconceptual? Do animals have concepts? (Junior and senior majors, or by waiver.) 3 hrs. sem.
- Term:
- Spring 2017
- Location:
- Twilight Hall 204(AXT 204)
- Schedule:
- 9:30am-10:45am on Tuesday, Thursday (Feb 13, 2017 to May 15, 2017)
- Type:
- Seminar
- Instructors:
- John Spackman
- Subject:
- Philosophy
- Department:
- Philosophy
- Division:
- Humanities
- Requirements Fulfilled:
- PHL
- Levels:
- Undergraduate
- Availability:
- View availability, prerequisites, and other requirements.
- Course Reference Number (CRN):
- 22427
- Subject Code:
- PHIL
- Course Number:
- 0435
- Section Identifier:
- A