Philosophy of the mind

Illustration of human brain and starlight

What is the mind? And what is consciousness? Is the mind/consciousness the brain? Is the brain a computer? If so, can computers be said to think? Is your mind restricted to the brain, or do external artefacts- like phones- literally form a part of your mind? Do beliefs and desires exist? Can they be scientifically studied? Will future scientific discoveries rule out all of these questions non-sensical (because minds have as much a claim to reality as witches and goblins)?

These are the sorts of questions we consider— and perhaps answer— when doing philosophy of mind and cognitive science at Trinity College Dublin.

Academics

People in the Department of Philosophy who work in this area include:

Julian Bacharach

Richard Teague

Michael Markunas