PP1MW: Mind and World

Module code: PP1MW

Module provider: Philosophy; School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Credits: 20

Level: 4

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Professor Maximilian De Gaynesford , email: r.m.degaynesford@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students:

Talis reading list:

Last updated: 16 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

What is the nature of reality, and how does the human mind grasp it – if it can grasp it at all? This module explores some of philosophy’s deepest and most perplexing questions, such as whether we can trust our senses, what it means to think and perceive, what we can know and what knowledge even is in the first place. We will examine classic debates about the external world, consciousness, and the relationship between mind and matter, engaging with various thinkers including some or all of: Descartes and Kant to contemporary philosophers tackling issues in metaphysics and epistemology like artificial intelligence and the long-debated question: ‘What am I?’ As we learn, we will raise questions such as what are the limits of knowledge? What are the implications of scepticism? Blending historical and modern perspectives, this module offers a lively, accessible introduction to philosophy, inviting students to step beyond familiar ways of seeing the world and into the realm of deep inquiry and critical reflection. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Be able to discuss some fundamental and long-standing problems in metaphysics and epistemology. 
2. Be able to explain key historical texts by central figures in philosophy that grapple with issues of knowledge and existence. 
3. Be able to explain key discussions of these problems by contemporary philosophers. 
4. Apply their knowledge and understanding so as to demonstrate analytical skills by interpreting and evaluating arguments concerning the topics of the module. 
5. Cultivate effective communication skills by presenting and defending arguments and positions on these topics. 

Module content

Topics typically covered in this module will include, but not be limited to, a selection from:  

• What is knowledge? What can we know? 
• Is scepticism justified?  
• Brains in vats; is it all a simulation? 
• The relation between mind and body 
• The problem of universals 
• The nature of perception 
• The question of innate knowledge 
• The existence of God 
• The existence of value 
• The problem of other minds 
• Do we have free will? 
• Personal identity 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module is taught through interactive lecture/s and seminars, which may include working in breakout groups, to discuss philosophical views and applications, to reflect on set readings and the to share ideas with fellow students. Each week students will be introduced to different academic texts, and the arguments within them.  

Students are encouraged to be active in all classes, asking questions and trying to answer the questions posed by others. 

Study hours

At least 26 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Level 3 (i.e. foundation modules for Part 0) and Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs