INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Tom Carter
Office - CS102a
Phone: 667-3175
e-mail: tom@csustan.csustan.edu

TEXT: Consciousness Explained , Daniel Dennett

PURPOSE OF COURSE AND OBJECTIVES: We will look at the complementary approaches to understanding cognition embodied in physics, chemistry, human neurophysiology and psychology, symbol systems such as language and mathematics, and high-level concepts like mind and consciousness. We will be particularly interested in understanding how the brain is structured and how it operates to create and support consciousness. An explanation of how systems (such as the human brain or computers) are (or might be) capable of supporting cognition will be sought. We will examine some traditional philosophical and psychological issues about cognition such as the mind-body problem, and look at what philosophy might have to say about what computers can and cannot do. We will also do some explorations in the general area of philosophy of science. With this background we will then look at ways in which new research in neuroscience and technological developments in the world of computers might affect traditional philosophical issues and raise new questions. In other words, be prepared for anything.

GRADING: The grades for this course will be based on four components: written homework/in class work, a short paper, an in-class midterm, and a project/paper. Each of the components will be weighted approximately equally. We will start with a traditional bit of written homework for each week - for each of the readings (i.e., each chapter, etc.) I would like you to write three strong/important points, and three weak/confusing points. These are to be handed in at the beginning of each class. The usual proscriptions about academic dishonesty apply.