Philosophers’ Carnival #37
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Author: Gualtiero Piccinini
Recent Sources on Functions and Mechanisms
Next Spring, I’m teaching a course on mechanisms (mechanistic explanation) and functions (functional explanation). I’m considering some of the following sources: The Monist, 87.1 (2004). Studies in History and Philosophy of Science, 37.1 (2006). Allen, C., M. Bekoff, and G. Lauder, Eds. (1998). Nature’s Purposes: Analysis of Function and Design …
The Unreliability of Introspection
Traditionally, many philosophers like to attribute special status to at least some kinds of knowledge that we have of our minds. The purported reliability of introspection is often invoked by those who propose to construct a first-person science–a science based on private evidence delivered through introspection. Even Daniel Dennett, a naturalist …
Beyond Modularity?
In the recent thread, the issue of modularity was discussed. Anibal wrote the following: “My humble view is that the brain is a brilliant plastic and distributed machine using one single module to more than one cognitive function and viceversa.”This reminded me of some recent, interesting work along these lines …
Philosophy Videos
A Brood Comb has collected an impressive list of philosophy online videos, many of which pertain to the philosophy of mind.
Extended Mind Poll Results
A few days ago, I asked whether the mind is in the head. Counting only reasonably unambiguous answers (and counting one vote per commenter), as of right now Brains readers answered as follows:Yes: 11 votesNo: 6 votesUpdate: You may find some more comments here and here.
Course on Consciousness
Next spring, I’m teaching a cross-listed upper undergraduate/graduate course on consciousness for the first time. I’d like to strike a good balance between philosophical and scientific readings. Does anyone have suggestions as to what is a must-read in the huge literature on consciousness? From an informal survey, it seems to me …