FIL4100 – Metaphysics/Philosophy of Mind
Course content
The content of the course will vary from year to year, but it will be based on current central problems within metaphysics and/or the philosophy of mind. The seminar will be based on philosophical texts, current relevant research articles and original texts.
Spring 26 the topic will be as follows:
This course asks a simple but deep philosophical?question: could advanced AI systems really have minds? We will examine what "understanding" is and whether today’s AIs genuinely understand or just parrot convincing outputs. We’ll explore if AI could have goals and desires, emotions, or consciousness, and what would count as good evidence for or against these claims. We’ll also ask whether AI could feel pain or pleasure and so be welfare subjects. Are they beings that can be harmed or benefited for their own sake? Throughout, we’ll connect classic debates in metaphysics and philosophy of mind with cutting edge AI research. ?
Learning outcome
After having completed the course, the student is expected to
- have a good knowledge of the course literature
- be able to acquire and critically relate to relevant research within the field
- be able to discuss topics and problems within metaphysics and/or philosophy of mind in a critical and philosophical way
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Requires admission to the Philosophy (master).
Recommended previous knowledge
FIL2105 – Metaphysics/Philosophy of Mind (discontinued), FIL2100 – Fordypning - Metafysikk (discontinued) or FIL2101 – Fordypning - Bevissthetsfilosofi (discontinued)
Teaching
10 double sessions which are a combination of seminars and lectures. The teaching will take place more or less intensively during the month of March. Active participation from all students will be expected.
Examination
A term paper of 10-12 pages à 2.300 characters, excl. references and footnotes. You must consult your teacher regarding the topic. When you write a term paper you are entitled to receive individual tutoring. However, this requires that you submit a draft to your teacher within the given deadline.
You submit your exam in Inspera.
Language of examination
?You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.