Join Our Next Philosophy Seminar: The Philosophy of Mind
Hosted by the Kansai Philosophers
The Kansai Philosophers are back with a new seminar! After exploring illustrious topics such as The Philosophy of Language (Frege, Wittgenstein, etc), Kant’s Epistemology, Nietzsche’s Beyond Good and Evil, Hobbes’ Leviathan, and Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion (and more), we now turn our attention to a fascinating and ever-relevant theme: The Philosophy of Mind.
Why This Topic?
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the wave of naive science fiction notions about self-aware machines and potential SkyNet-style takeovers, the philosophy of mind takes on a dramatic and critical role. However, questions about the nature of the mind have been a philosophical puzzle for centuries:
• What exactly is the mind?
• Is it a separate substance, as René Descartes proposed, distinct from the physical body?
• Is it simply the “ghost in the machine,” as behaviorism might suggest?
• Could our mind be nothing more than an illusion crafted by our brain?
• What truly separates intelligence from consciousness, and how does this apply to AI?
Understanding these concepts is essential—not only to grapple with modern technological fears but also to explore the depths of human thought and experience.
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Seminar Topics:
1. Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind: Laying the groundwork for our inquiry into the mind’s nature.
2. Descartes’ Dualism: Mind and Body: Exploring the idea that the mind is a separate, immaterial substance distinct from the physical body.
3. Behaviorism: Mind as Behavior: Is the mind nothing more than the sum of observable behaviors?
4. Physicalism: The Mind as the Brain: The modern scientific perspective that equates the mind with the brain’s physical processes.
5. Consciousness: What Is It? Delving into one of philosophy’s greatest mysteries—how and why do we have subjective experiences?
6. Artificial Intelligence: Why ChatGPT Is So Intelligent, but Without a Mind: Discussing why AI can mimic intelligence and respond logically without possessing consciousness or self-awareness.
7. Conclusion
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Seminar Details:
• Text: “The Philosophy of Mind! A Very Short Introduction” by Barbara Gail Montero
• Requirements:
• Active participation, including a 5-minute presentation on a selected topic (preparation materials will be provided).
• Engagement on Facebook to support discussions and share insights.
• Seminar Fee: Free for students, ex-students, and friends.
Also check out other Workshops in Amagasaki-City, Performances in Amagasaki-City.
