Students
PHIL707 – Research Topics in Philosophy and Cognitive Science
2016 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Richard Menary
Contact via email
by negotiation
Lecturer
Richard Heersmink
Contact via email
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit explores some of the cutting edge research questions at the forefront of cognitive science and the philosophy of cognition. The unit explores philosophical problems that arise from the core disciplines of cognitive psychology, cognitive neuropsychology, linguistics, neuroscience and AI and robotics. Topics to be covered may include: embodied and distributed cognition; disorders of the mind; folk psychology and theory of mind; the use of FMRI to understand brain function; is the brain massively modular; can cognitive science explain consciousness, or the self?
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy.
- Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly questions on reading | 5% | Each week online |
| Essay Plan | 5% | week 12 |
| Presentation | 30% | Week 12 |
| Research Essay | 60% | Week 14 |
Weekly questions on reading
Due: Each week online
Weighting: 5%
Each week a set of questions on the weekly readings will be posted online. You will be expected to post your answers and engage in discussion of the readings each week.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy.
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay
Essay Plan
Due: week 12
Weighting: 5%
Brief plan and outline of your essay.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy.
- Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay
Presentation
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 30%
Presentation to the class on the background to your essay topic and an outline of your essay. 20 minute presentation, 10 minute discussion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy.
- Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level
Research Essay
Due: Week 14
Weighting: 60%
Research Essay on a topic covered in the course. Title and topic to be agreed with the course leaders by week 10.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy.
- Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay
Delivery and Resources
2 hour seminar, online activities.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Research Essay
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy.
- Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay
Assessment tasks
- Weekly questions on reading
- Essay Plan
- Presentation
- Research Essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay
Assessment tasks
- Weekly questions on reading
- Essay Plan
- Presentation
- Research Essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of cognitive science and philosophy.
- Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay
Assessment tasks
- Weekly questions on reading
- Essay Plan
- Presentation
- Research Essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Articulate, clearly and coherently, philosophical arguments in written and oral form at an advanced level
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of course content and develop a coherent and extended philosophical argument in a research essay
Assessment tasks
- Weekly questions on reading
- Essay Plan
- Presentation
- Research Essay
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Analyse and critically evaluate philosophical arguments at an advanced level
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Research Essay