PHI 140 / PSY 140: Psychology and Philosophy of Mind

Course Description

The philosophy and psychology of mind together offer a profound exploration of human nature, consciousness, and the soul. This interdisciplinary course introduces students to these fields in conversation, combining the theoretical insights of philosophy with the empirical findings of psychology, while showing how both disciplines speak to questions of human wellbeing and flourishing.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Explain and critically evaluate arguments for and against the existence of the soul, consciousness, and free will.
• Relate philosophical accounts of mind and personhood to psychological research on trauma, healing, hope, and resilience.
• Integrate perspectives from classical and contemporary philosophy with findings from cognitive neuroscience, positive psychology, and trauma studies.
• Analyze how spirituality and religious traditions function as both philosophical concepts and psychological resources for wellbeing.
• Produce well‑reasoned essays or exam responses demonstrating interdisciplinary understanding and apply course insights to contemporary questions (e.g., AI, animal intelligence, neuroscience of agency).

Assignments & Grading