Course details

8.3123

Reduction and Emergence

 S
WS 2023 Louis Loock OFFLINE
2h/wk
4 ECTS 		B.Sc modules:
CS-BWP-PHIL - Philosophy for Cognitive Science
KOGW-WPM-PHIL - Philosophy of Mind and Cognition
M.Sc modules:
CS-MWP-PHIL - Philosophy for Cognitive Science

CS-BW - Bachelor elective course
CS-MW - Master elective course 		Thu: 14-16

Abstract: While the classical natural sciences usually have a strong commitment to reductionism, cognitive science is a mixed exception since some researchers seek to study the mind as an emergent phenomenon. These two approaches are often conceptualized in strict opposition. The last century constituted a blooming period of theorizing about reduction and emergence, initially only in the philosophy of science, but then also in the philosophy of mind. Though the heyday has passed by, the key questions are up for debate after all. Especially the contemporary philosophy of cognition (and cognitive science) is still in the transitional phase of reevaluating these two ways of conceptualizing our world and science. We will survey the history and the current standing of reductive and emergent theories of mind and cognition. Prerequisites: “Philosophy for Cognitive Science” Preference is given to BSc students Some background in philosophy of mind is recommend.