Mind (PDF)

Key Concepts in Philosophy is a series of concise, accessible and engaging introductions to the core ideas and subjects encountered in the study of philosophy. Specially written to meet the needs of students and those with an interest in, but little prior knowledge of, philosophy, these books open up fascinating, yet sometimes difficult ideas. The series builds to give a solid grounding in philosophy and each book is also ideal as a companion to further study.

The philosophy of mind - inquiry into just what the mind is and the nature of its relationship to the body - is one of Western philosophy's focal points. This is a comprehensive, clear and authoritative guide to the subject's history, its key themes and concepts, and those philosophers who have most influenced it, aimed at students encountering the discipline for the first time.

The text illustrates the importance of the concept of mind in defining what it is to be human; this unifies the discussion and analysis of specific topics. Having outlined the major traditional accounts of the nature of the mind in western philosophy, the book goes on to examine such important concepts as subjectivity, intentionality and behaviour. The book also explores how far the concept of mind can be extended to animals and machines, such as computers and robots.

Philosophy undergraduates will find this an invaluable aid to study, one that goes beyond simple definitions and summaries to really open up fascinating and important ideas and arguments.