Enrolments for 2020 have closed.
Philosophy of Psychology
Undergraduate | MAQ-PHIX2062 | 2020
Previously MAQ-PHIX262
Course information for 2020 intake
View information for 2021 course intakeSift through philosophical theories about the mind, such as dualism, behaviourism and identity theory. Wonder where the body fits into the mind's cognitive process. Explore the push and pull relationship exhibited by the body and the mind.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 18 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Philosophy of Psychology
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- Learn basic theories and approaches in philosophy of psychology
- Learn to express your own ideas and interpretations of philosophical arguments and scientific findings
- Learn to closely read and evaluate philosophical and scientific texts
- Learn to research and write a philosophical argument and essay
- Topics may include:
- Precursors to Cognitive Science
- Identity Theory and Functionalism
- Computational Theory of Mind
- The Modular Mind
- Embodied, Embedded and Extended Cognition
- The WEIRD Problem and the Enculturated Mind
- Beyond Evolutionary Psychology
- Consciousness, Neuroscience and Non-Western Philosophy
- Predictive Processing
- The Replication Crisis and other issues
This subject was previously known as PHI220 Body and Mind and PHIX262 Body and Mind.
Psychologists study the mind, but what exactly is a mind? What is the relationship between the mind and the body? What is consciousness? Do we know our own minds, or are we driven by unconscious motivations? In this unit we will examine these big philosophical questions about the mind, and we will also explore the philosophical foundations of different forms of psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy is advertised as "evidence based". What does the evidence show about its effectiveness? What is the scientific status of psychoanalysis--is it a pseudoscience, as its critics maintain? We will also explore topical issues in the philosophy of psychology, such as the following. To what extent, if any, can differences between the sexes be explained by brain differences? Did humans evolve to be racist? Do non-human animals have minds? What makes us choose our romantic partners, and where do we fall when we fall in love?
- Participation (10%)
- Discussion Guides (30%)
- First Essay (25%)
- Final Essay (35%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-PHIX262-Body and Mind (no longer available)
Others
You must complete some Level 1 studies before starting this subject. Prior study in Philosophy is recommended.
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Undergraduate
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