PHIL 476 - The Self: Cross-Disciplinary Explorations

(3 units) CO13

The course examines a range of theories regarding the self, as separate authentic, interdependent, performative, somatic, and/or fictitious entity. We adopt an interdisciplinary approach, engaging with Anglo-American/European Philosophy, Cognitive Science, Psychology (including psychoanalytic theory), and Asian (Indian) Philosophy.

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Fall - Odd Years

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. assess a thesis about the self and critically analyze evidence and argument for the thesis drawing from the philosophical and interdisciplinary literatures.
2. appraise some of the principal concepts associated with different psychological, world philosophical traditions (e.g. phenomenological, Hindu, Buddhist and/or others) and Anglo-American philosophical accounts of the self.
3. identify and compare different elements in the concept of the self as understood in more than one cultural or intellectual tradition.
4. synthesize interdisciplinary research on the self and analyze its relevance to philosophical accounts of our sense of self.

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