The Philosophy of Mind
An Introduction

The discussions throughout this book are exceptionally clear, and the writing uncomplicated, to make available to the students a wealth of detailed argument in the philosophy of mind.

Peter Smith (Author), O. R. Jones (Author)

9780521320788, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 October 1986

304 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm, 0.62 kg

'This is not 'philosophy made easy'. It is a very clever book indeed.' The Times Higher Education Supplement

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.

Preface
Analytical table of contents
1. Dualism, for and against
2. Towards a better theory of the mind
3. Sensation, thought and freedom
Chronological table
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of mind [HPM]