A Brief Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind

by Jack S. Crumley II

Overview

A Brief Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind is written to engage the beginning student, offering a balanced, accessible entrée into a notoriously complex field of inquiry. Crumley introduces four core areas in contemporary philosophy of the mind: the mind/body problem, mental content (intentionality), mental causation, and the nature of consciousness. The book is distinctive in its further coverage of such fascinating topics as the nature of mental images, theories of concepts, and whether or not computers can think, as well as brief accounts of the disciplines with which the philosophy of mind is often associated, among them neuroscience and cognitive psychology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742544956
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/17/2006
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.44(w) x 9.32(h) x 0.95(d)

About the Author

Jack S. Crumley II is professor of philosophy at The University of San Diego.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Preface Part 2 Introduction: Beginning Matters Part 3 Part One: The Nature of the Mental and the Physical Chapter 4 Dualism Chapter 5 Only Skin Deep: Bahaviorism Chapter 6 It's All in Your Brain: Type Identity Theory Chapter 7 Diagramming the Mind: Functionalism Chapter 8 Minds, Computers, and Biology: Functionalism II Chapter 9 Does the Mental Matter? Eliminativism and Instrumentalism Part 10 Part Two: The Function of the Mind Chapter 11 Images and Concepts Chapter 12 What Do You Have in Mind? Theories of Mental Content Chapter 13 It's the Law: Mental Causation Chapter 14 Consciousness from B to Z Part 15 Glossary Part 16 Index Part 17 About the Author

Editorial Reviews

Crumley's book offers a clear, well-developed introduction to the main problems in philosophy of mind. Crumley's conversational tone, lucid examples, and palpable enthusiasm for the philosophy of mind are sure to appeal to readers. It is well-suited to the mid-level undergraduate student with little or no background in philosophy while, at the same time, providing a comprehensive and accessible foray into very technical and complex issues that arise in philosophy of mind.--Renée Smith, assistant professor of philosophy, Coastal Carolina University, and author, Readings About the Ultimate Questions: Thinking Abou

From the Publisher

Crumley's book offers a clear, well-developed introduction to the main problems in philosophy of mind. Crumley’s conversational tone, lucid examples, and palpable enthusiasm for the philosophy of mind are sure to appeal to readers. It is well-suited to the mid-level undergraduate student with little or no background in philosophy while, at the same time, providing a comprehensive and accessible foray into very technical and complex issues that arise in philosophy of mind.

Renée Smith

Crumley's book offers a clear, well-developed introduction to the main problems in philosophy of mind. Crumley’s conversational tone, lucid examples, and palpable enthusiasm for the philosophy of mind are sure to appeal to readers. It is well-suited to the mid-level undergraduate student with little or no background in philosophy while, at the same time, providing a comprehensive and accessible foray into very technical and complex issues that arise in philosophy of mind.

Renée Smith