Philosophy of Mind: The Basics The Basics

Philosophy of Mind: The Basics is a concise and engaging introduction to the fundamental philosophical questions and theories about the mind. The author Amy Kind, a leading expert in the field, examines central issues concerning the nature of consciousness, thought, and emotion. The book addresses key questions such as: What is the nature of the mind? What is the relationship between the mind and the brain? Can machines have minds? How will future technology impact the mind? With a glossary of key terms and suggestions for further reading, Philosophy of Mind: The Basics is an ideal starting point for anyone seeking a lively and accessible introduction to the rich and complex study of philosophy of mind.

1. Mind and Mentality What is philosophy of mind? An inventory of our mental life How philosophers study the mind Theories of mind: a rough overview What lies ahead Concluding summary Further reading 2. Dualism Cartesian dualism Contemporary versions of dualism Concluding summary Further reading 3. Physicalism General motivations for physicalism Different versions of physicalism General problems for physicalism Concluding remarks Further reading 4. Functionalism The roots of functionalism What is functionalism? Assessing functionalism: considerations in favor Assessing functionalism: problems Concluding remarks Further reading 5. Machine Minds Animal mentality Can machines think? Can machines feel? Concluding remarks Further reading 6. The Future of the Mind Mind extensions Mind uploading Mind mergers A real-life case? Concluding remarks Further reading. Glossary Bibliography Index

Amy Kind is Russell K. Pitzer Professor of Philosophy at Claremont McKenna College, USA. She is editor of Philosophy of Mind in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries (volume six of The History of the Philosophy of Mind, Routledge 2016) and ofThe Routledge Handbook of Philosophy of Imagination (2016). She has also authored the introductory textbook Persons and Personal Identity (2015).