Philosophy of Mind — DU B.A. (Hons.) Philosophy Previous Year Question Papers

Answer all questions. 1. What is the meaning of Descartes' famous statement "I think, therefore I am"?, Explain this in the context of Cartesian dualism. Cartesian dualism. 2. Examine Smart's Identity Theory which claims that mental states are identical to brain states. How effectively does he defend this theory against various objections? How does Putnam establish his Functionalist theory by pointing out the limitations of Behaviourism and Identity Theory. 3. Discuss Nagel's thought experiment 'What is it like to be a Bat'. Explain its philosophical implications for understanding consciousness and subjective experience. Frank Jackson evaluates the notion of epiphenomenal qualia. What is the key difference between qualia and epiphenomenal qualia? Discuss. 4. What did Chalmers understand by the Hard problem of consciousness? Why did he come up with the distinction between an easy problem of consciousness and hard problem of consciousness? 5. Write notes on any two of the following : (a) Differences between Smart's Identity theory and Putnam's functional theory of mind. (b) The Problem of Qualia (c) Demon Argument (d) Dream Argument.