PHIL 209 - Minds, Computers, Worlds

This course will introduce and consider a number of interrelated philosophical questions about minds, computers, and the world(s) they inhabit: Is the human mind identical with the human brain? What exactly is a computer, and could a computer have a genuine mind? How “real” are the “virtual” realities created by actual and possible computers and minds? Could our minds, and could the physical world, turn out to be parts of a computer or computer simulation?

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group I
Instructional Method: Conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Notes: This course meets the department’s metaphysics requirement.
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Understand how arguments can be made, visions presented, or feelings or ideas conveyed through language or other modes of expression (symbols, movement, images, sounds, etc.).
Analyze and interpret texts, whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts.
Evaluate arguments made in or about texts (whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts).