Arguing About the Mind is an accessible, engaging introduction to the core questions in the philosophy of mind. This collection offers a selection of thought-provoking articles that examine a broad range of issues from the mind and body relation to animal and artificial intelligence. Topics addressed include:

• the problem of consciousness
• the nature of the mind
• the relationship between the mind, body and world
• the notion of selfhood
• pathologies and behavioural problems
• animal, machine and extra-terrestrial intelligence.

The editors provide lucid introductions to each section, give an overview of the debate and outline the arguments of the papers. An original and stimulating reader, Arguing About the Mind is ideal for students new to the philosophy of mind.

About the Author
Brie Gertler is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Virginia, USA. Larry Shapiro is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.

Reviews

'I think this is brilliant. In conception and execution, the anthology does something which is both original and needed as a teaching resource ... the editors motivate the philosophical questions in a fresh and illuminating way, with an excellent choice of readings based around problems which will have occurred to most thoughtful philosophy students.' - Tim Crane, University College London, UK

'Arguing About the Mind makes use of original sources to introduce problems in the philosophy of mind in a way calculated to be intelligible to readers with no previous background in philosophy. By relying on readings intended for a broad audience, Gertler and Shapiro deftly sidestep technical disputes of the kind that too often deter students encountering serious philosophical writing for the first time. The result is a stunning topical introduction to philosophy via the philosophy of mind.' - John Heil, Washington University in St Louis, USA

'Arguing About the Mind makes use of original sources to introduce problems in the philosophy of mind in a way calculated to be intelligible to readers with no previous background in philosophy. By relying on readings intended for a broad audience, Gertler and Shapiro deftly sidestep technical disputes of the kind that too often deter students encountering serious philosophical writing for the first time. The result is a stunning topical introduction to philosophy via the philosophy of mind.' John Heil, Washington University in St Louis, USA

'I think this is brilliant. In conception and execution, the anthology does something which is both original and needed as a teaching resource. Instead of taking tired old routes, the editors motivate the philosophical questions in a fresh and illuminating way, with an excellent choice of readings based around problems which will have occurred to most thoughtful philosophy students.' Tim Crane, University College London, UK

'An excellent, comprehensive selection of key papers that are accessible to entry-level students.' Ron Chrisley, University of Sussex, UK

'I recommend Arguing About the Mind to psychologists, in graduate school and beyond, but with some qualification. If you regularly keep up with journals such as Mind or Journal of Consciousness Studies, the readings in this book, aimed at students who may be taking their first course in philosophy of mind, may already be familiar to you. The chapters are original pieces from primary sources but are selected to be readable by a general audience, and each section is preceded by the editors' overview and a list of 'Questions to Think About.' But if, like me, you have not considered psychological questions from a philosophical perspective since graduate school, the book is well worth your time, at least for dipping into, and the overviews and questions are helpful.' Jeffrey Noel, PsycCritiques

Book Information
ISBN 9780415771634
Author Brie Gertler
Format Paperback
Page Count 624
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 1040g