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

Answer at least five questions in all. 1. What is Substance dualism? In this connection, discuss how Cartesian dualism is understood. 2. Examine how Ryle uses the metaphor of the ghost in the machine to challenge Descartes mind-body dualism. 3. Critically evaluate the mind-brain identity position of Smart. 4. How does Putnam establish his Functionalist theory by pointing out the limitations of Behaviorism and Identity Theory? 5. Does identity theory successfully avoid dualism, or does it repackage dualism under the guise of nomological danglers ? 6. Discuss Nagel's "What it is to be a bat ?" Explain the batness of Bat and its argument for the subjective nature of consciousness. 7. If Mary learns something new upon seeing colour for the first time, what does this imply about the compatibility of physicalism with complete knowledge ? Discuss whether Jackson's argument necessarily leads to dualism. 8. Why does explaining cognitive functions not amount to explaining consciousness? Evaluate Chalmer's claim.