Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind

An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind provides a lively and accessible introduction to all the main themes and arguments currently being debated in this area. The book examines and criticizes four major theories of mind: Dualism, Mind/Brain Identity, Behaviourism and Functionalism. Maslin argues that while consciousness and our mental lives depend upon physical processes in the brain, they are not reducible to those processes. He also explores the differences between mental and physical states, mind/body causality, the problem of other minds, and personal identity.The book is designed to help students think for themselves about all the issues identified above, and contains exercises throughout the text to stimulate and challenge the reader. Objectives are clearly set out at the start of every chapter to enable students to check their understanding as they proceed, and each chapter ends with questions to consider. There are discussions of the most cited contemporary writers in the field, so that the reader can gain a rounded perspective of the debates.This textbook is an invaluable introduction to the field of the philosophy of mind. It contains all the information, questions and features students will need to get them thinking laterally around this subject area. It will be essential reading for A-Level students and first-year undergraduates studying philosophy and philosophy of mind for the first time.Please visit the accompanying website for this book at: http://www.polity.co.uk/maslinMaslin, Keith is the author of 'Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' with ISBN 9780745616872 and ISBN 0745616879.