Philosophy of Mind

Jaegwon Kim

Westview Press, 1996 - Philosophy of mind. - 258 pages

The philosophy of mind has always been a staple of the philosophy curriculum. But it has never held a more important place than it does today, with both traditional problems and new topics often sparked by the implications of modern psychology, cognitive science, and computer science.In this concise but comprehensive survey, Jaegwon Kim explores, maps, and interprets this difficult terrain. Designed as a textbook for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students, "Philosophy of Mind" succeeds brilliantly on these terms. But it also manages to offer riches to experienced philosophers while remaining accessible to readers new to philosophy.Focusing on the traditional mind/body problem, Kim canvasses the traditional attempts to explain the mind as soul, as certain forms of behavior, as brain, or as a type of computer as well as more recent complex attempts to meet objections raised by these accounts. The author also includes extensive coverage of the issues surrounding content and consciousness.Throughout, Kim allows readers to come to their own terms with these views. At the same time, the author's own emerging views are on display and serve to advance the discussion. Readers of Kim's previous work will especially welcome this aspect of the text.Comprehensive, clear, and fair, "Philosophy of Mind" is a model of philosophical exposition. It is a major contribution to the study and teaching of the philosophy of mind.

What people are saying

Review: Philosophy of Mind

User Review  - Danny - Goodreads

Excellent introduction to philosophy of mind. 5 stars for content and especially clarity in writing.

Review: Philosophy of Mind

User Review  - Carlos Rodarte - Goodreads

A good introductory read for those interested in Philosophy of Mind. It doesn't get too deep, but touches on major topics. Well written!

About the author

Jaegwon Kim has taught at Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Michigan, and is now William Perry Faunce Professor of Philosophy at Brown University. He is the author of" Supervenience and the Mind" (1993) and "Philosophy of Mind" (1996), and the editor, with Ernest Sosa, of "A Companion to Metaphysics" (Blackwell, 1995).

Ernest Sosa has taught since 1964 at Brown University, where he is now Romeo Elton Professor of Natural Theology and Professor of Philosophy. He is the author of "Knowledge in Perspective" (1991). He is co-editor (with John Greco) of "The Blackwell Guide to Epistemology" (1999); and co-editor (with Jaegwon Kim) of "A Companion to Metaphysics" (Blackwell, 1995).

Bibliographic information

• Title: Philosophy of Mind; Dimensions of Philosophy Series
• Author: Jaegwon Kim
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: Westview Press, 1996
• ISBN: 0813307767, 9780813307763
• Length: 258 pages