Established by: Faculty director of studies, Faculty of arts, 2021-10-14
Revised by: Head of Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, 2025-05-12
Contents
The course is a specialisation in the philosophy of mind. It focuses on one aspect of our mental lives, namely consciousness, by which we here understand the "subjective" aspects of the mind, or "what it is like" to (say) feel pain or see colours. One topic that we consider is the ontological status of consciousness, and especially its relation to the brain. For example, can consciousness be identified with some brain process, or is the relation between consciousness and the brain of some other kind? Another topic concerns our epistemic access to consciousness: To what extent can we come to know and understand consciousness and its relation to the brain? The course covers both philosophical and empirical contributions to these issues.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
- have good knowledge of and an overview of central concepts, theories, problems and arguments within the philosophy of consciousness; - have in-depth knowledge within the sub-area of the philosophy of consciousness that deals with the subjective consciousness character of mental states; - have an overview of current philosophical and empirical theories of consciousness
Skills and abilities
- be able to independently and critically discuss problems within the philosophy of consciousness.
Required Knowledge
90 ECTS credits in anthropology, computer science, linguistics, neuro science, philosophy, psychology or some other subject relevant to cognitive science, or similar. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Form of instruction
Lectures and seminars
Examination modes
The examination consists of written and oral assignments and active participation in seminars. On the course as a whole, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). In order to pass the course as a whole, all mandatory parts must be passed as well. The final grade of the course is a summary assessment of the results, and the course is passed only after all mandatory parts are passed.
A re-examination must be offered no later than two months after the regular exam, however, the re-examination must be offered no earlier than ten working days after the results of the regular exam have been announced and a copy of the students' exam is available. For tests conducted during the months of May and June, the first re-examination may be offered within three months of the regular test. In addition, at least one further re-examination must be offered within one year of the regular examination, so-called collection test. Those who have passed the exam may not undergo a new exam for a higher grade.
The examiner can decide on deviations from the examination form of the syllabus. Individual adaptation of the form of examination must be considered according to the student's needs. The form of examination is adapted within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request adaptation from the institution responsible for the course no later than 10 working days before the examination. The examiner decides on an adapted examination, which is then notified to the student.
Other regulations
In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.
In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies.
