Paper Assignment 1

Philosophy of Mind

Prof.  McCormick

Spring 2009

Naysayers!

Beginning on page 173, section 2.2, Churchland presents Nine Naysaying Arguments for the conclusion that consciousness cannot be understood neurobiologically, and then gives her responses to each of them.  Develop and defend a philosophical thesis of your own concerning one of these argument/counter argument pairs.  Be sure to consider at least two objections that Churchland or someone endorsing the Naysayer argument would have to your view.   Use your responses as an opportunity to make your position clearer. 

Here’s an outline of the paper:

I.  Introduction

II.  Naysayer argument—exposition only, no critical evaluation.

III.  Churchland’s answer—exposition only, no critical evaluation.

IV.  Your argument—present and defend your critical thesis, offer criticisms, objections, or considerations about II. and III. 

V.  Consider objections/problems with your view.

VI.  Address the problems raised in V. 

The arguments in the Naysayer section in Churchland’s book are brief.  Research them. Supplement her explanation with some background research on the view you are addressing.  Incorporate the points she makes in the rest of the chapter to explain her position.  If you use any secondary sources, they must be cited.  See the

Philosophy Department Writing Guidelines for details.  Your paper should conform to all of those guidelines. 

            The paper should be typed, double-spaced, and 4 pages long (at least).  You may make it longer, but be concise.  Papers with spelling, grammar, or structure errors will not be accepted.  It is due in class on Wednesday, March 18^th.