[ Wesleyan Home Page ] [ WesMaps Home Page ] [ WesMaps Archive ] [ Course Search ] [ Course Search by CID ]
Academic Year 2003/2004

Animal Minds
PHIL 357 SP

Anecdotes about and interest in the courage, loyalty, ingenuity, compassion, and intelligence of non-human animals date back to the beginning of human interactions with them. Recently, however, philosophers and scientists have begun to examine the cognitive capacities of non-humans in more systematic ways. In this seminar we will examine the philosophical and scientific issues raised by recent studies in animal minds. We will explore the nature and complexity of non-human mental states, ask what evidence justifies attributions of cognition or intelligence to non-humans, discuss the methodological problems that arise in theorizing about mechanisms responsible for animal behavior, and examine some of the recent philosophical and scientific debate about the evolution of mind. The study of animal minds, in addition to providing us with a greater understanding of those with whom we share the planet, also contributes to our understanding of our own minds.

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA PHIL    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459