The book explores the challenge faced by post-Cartesian philosophers in understanding the mind as a natural entity that simultaneously exhibits non-natural cognitive abilities. It seeks to bridge the gap between emerging theories of the mind and its complex characteristics, addressing the apparent contradictions in how we perceive mental processes and their relation to the physical world.
In this accessible exploration of metaphysics, John Heil examines our everyday beliefs about time, reality, and causation. Using examples from art and science, he discusses key topics like free will and consciousness, revealing how metaphysical questions shape human experience and understanding of the universe.
Exploring the nature of reality, the book delves into the interplay between physical and abstract elements, questioning the essence of being. John Heil presents a comprehensive metaphysical framework that examines substances and properties, drawing inspiration from philosophical giants like Descartes and Locke. Through thought-provoking analysis, the work challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of existence and the fundamental components that shape reality.
A Contemporary Introduction
Philosophy of Mind: A Contemporary Introduction is a comprehensive and accessible survey of main themes, positions and debates in philosophy of mind. John Heil introduces and discusses the major topics in succinct, user-friendly, self-contained chapters:* Cartesian dualism* Descartes's legacy* non-Cartesian dualism* behaviorism* the identity theory* functionalism* the representational theory of mind* qualia* radical interpretation* the intentional stance* eliminativism* property dualism* mind and metaphysics* the mind's place in natureThis revised and updated edition includes expanded chapters on eliminativism, qualia, and the representational theory of mind, and an entirely new chapter on property dualism. There are annotated suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter, updated to include recent material and internet resources.
Edited by a renowned scholar in the field, this anthology provides a comprehensive and self contained introduction to the philosophy of mind. Featuring an extensive and varied collection of fifty classical and contemporary readings, it also offers substantial section introductions which set the extracts in context and guide readers through them discussion questions, and guides to further reading. Ideal for undergraduate courses, the book is organized into twelve sections, providing instructors with flexibility in designing and teaching a variety of courses.