The Philosophy of Mind

Description

The world has fundamentally changed with the rise of generative AI. In the last few years, powerful large language models (LLMs) have shown themselves capable of doing things that we had previously assumed only human beings could do: use language fluently, create compelling images, and even write music. So impressive are these systems that some AI engineers have proclaimed them to be conscious. A fierce debate has erupted in the public sphere about what it would take for consciousness to emerge within a machine, and whether this is in fact what has happened. In this way, the advent of generative AI raises with increasing urgency some ancient philosophical questions about the nature of the mind. Are human beings really just sophisticated physical machines with conscious minds? If so, could an LLM (which is after all just another kind of sophisticated physical machine) have a conscious mind? If not, why not? Given that having a mind endows us with all sorts of mental capacities – we can dream, feel, imagine, know right from wrong – is it reasonable to think that an AI could do all these things, too? Is it possible for our minds to outlive our bodies? Might future technology make death optional – and if it could, would this be a good thing? And what effects are today’s technologies having on our minds right now? These are the questions that this subject will explore. Together, we’ll investigate the nature of the mind, and of our own mental capacities, through the lens of cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence. Teaching Period: 2 March 2026 to 31 May 2026 Assessment Information: Description Timing Percentage Weekly Quizzes 1000 words (equivalent) From Week 2 to Week 12 25% Short Essay 1000 words Week 7 25% Final Essay 1500 words Week 12 50% Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. Throughout the teaching period N/A Hurdle requirement: 2. Assessment hurdle requirement: All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. Throughout the semester N/A Additional details Late penalty requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval.