ENGLISH

The Philosophy of Mind: An Introduction

By Peter Smith , O. R. Jones

Book information

Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Year
1986
ISBN
052132078X, 9780521320788
LCC
BD418.3 .S65 1986
Open Library ID
OL2716460M
Language
english
Format
PDF
Filesize
7 MB (7553395 bytes)
Pages
304\301
Time added
2011-04-11 19:55:47

Description

This is a straightforward, elementary textbook for beginning students of philosophy. The general aim is to provide a clear introduction to the main issues arising in the philosophy of mind. Part I discusses the Cartesian dualist view which many find initially appealing, and contains a careful examination of arguments for and against. Part II introduces the broadly functionalist type of physicalism which has Aristotelian roots. This approach is developed to yield accounts of perception, action, belief and desire, and the emerging theory of the mind is compared at each stage with rival historical and contemporary views. In Part III the functionalist approach is further explored in giving analyses of sensation, thought and freedom of will. The discussions throughout are exceptionally clear, and the writing uncomplicated, to make available to the students a wealth of detailed argument in the philosophy of mind.

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