HFIA03734U Modul 9: Central topics in phenomenology and philosophy of mind

Phenomenology and analytical philosophy count as two of the most influential philosophical traditions in the 20th Century. Unfortunately, in the past their relationship has not exactly been characterized by fruitful cooperation and exchange; rather, most of the time it has ranged from complete disregard to outright hostility. 

Recently, however, things have started to change. A growing number of analytical philosophers of mind have started paying attention to arguments and analyses to be found in the phenomenological treatment of issues like intentionality, self-consciousness, subjectivity, embodiment and social cognition. Likewise, many phenomenologists are currently engaged in lively exchanges with their analytical colleagues. This ongoing dialogue now stands as one of the most dynamic and productive areas in contemporary philosophical research. 

This course (which is a module in the master specialization in phenomenology and philosophy of mind) shall explore a number of topics that are of concern to both, phenomenologists and analytical philosophers of mind. It will show that analytical philosophy can profit from phenomenological insights, just as phenomenology can learn from analytical philosophy. It will also examine some of the ways that philosophical approaches to mind can productively engage with empirical work on consciousness and cognition. Three topics will be singled out for special attention: 1) Intentionality and consciousness, 2) social cognition, and 3) embodiment.