Minds and Bodies: An Introduction with Readings [Paperback]

Minds and Bodies is a clear introduction to the mind-body problem. It requires no prior philosophical knowledge and is ideally suited to newcomers to philosophy and philosophy of mind.
Robert Wilkinson carefully introduces the fundamental components of the philosophy of mind: Descartes's dualist account of mind and body; monist views including eliminativism; computer science and artificial intelligence. Each chapter is linked to a reading from key thinkers in the field, from Descartes to Paul Churchland.Minds and Bodies is a concise introduction to the mind-body problem. It includes clear introductions to key concepts and readings from key thinkers. Students are encouraged to think critically about the readings.Robert Wilkinson teaches at the Open University in Scotland. His previous publications include Thirty-five Oriental Philosophers (Routledge, 1994).1.Introduction 2. Dualism 3. Monism 4. Artificial Intelligence 5.Conclusion Readings: 1. 'Meditation I' Ren? Descartes 2. 'Meditation II' Ren? Descartes 3. 'Meditation VI' Ren? Descartes 4. 'The passions of the soul', Part I, Articles 30, 31, 32, 34 Ren? Descartes 5. 'Sensations and brain processes' J.J.C.Smart 6. 'The mind-body problem' Sydney Shoemaker 6. 'Eliminative materialism and the propositional attitudes' Paul M. Churchland 7. 'Is the brain's mind a computer program?' John R. Searle 8. 'Consciousness and the objective reality' Thomas Nagel Revision Test Answers to the Revision Test Bibliography IndexUS? 2000 the Open University