Philosophy of Psychology
UndergraduateMAQ-PHIX20622024
Previously MAQ-PHIX262
Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Sift through philosophical theories about the mind, such as dualism, behaviourism and identity theory. Wonder where the body fits into the mind's cognitive process. Explore the push and pull relationship exhibited by the body and the mind.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Philosophy of Psychology
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
- understand the major issues connecting psychology and philosophy.
- critically evaluate various positions in philosophy of psychology
- clearly and accurately communicate issues and arguments in the philosophy of psychology.
- develop your own philosophically informed views on the major issues in philosophy of science.
- offer constructive and courteous feedback to your peers.
- Topics may include:
- Precursors to Cognitive Science
- Identity Theory and Functionalism
- Computational Theory of Mind
- The Modular Mind
- Embodied, Embedded and Extended Cognition
- The WEIRD Problem and the Enculturated Mind
- Beyond Evolutionary Psychology
- Consciousness, Neuroscience and Non-Western Philosophy
- Predictive Processing
- The Replication Crisis and other issues
This subject was previously known as PHI220 Body and Mind and PHIX262 Body and Mind.
Psychologists study the mind, but what exactly is a mind? What is the relationship between the mind and the body? What is consciousness? Do we know our own minds, or are we driven by unconscious motivations? In this unit we will examine these big philosophical questions about the mind, and we will also explore the philosophical foundations of different forms of psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy is advertised as "evidence based". What does the evidence show about its effectiveness? What is the scientific status of psychoanalysis--is it a pseudoscience, as its critics maintain? We will also explore topical issues in the philosophy of psychology, such as the following. To what extent, if any, can differences between the sexes be explained by brain differences? Did humans evolve to be racist? Do non-human animals have minds? What makes us choose our romantic partners, and where do we fall when we fall in love? No background in psychology is necessary for this unit.
- Short media presentation (35%)
- Participation task (20%)
- Essay (45%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
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- QS Ranking 2024:
- 10
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 10
Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
- MAQ-PHIX1031-The Philosophy of Human Nature
- MAQ-PHIX1032-Happiness, Goodness and Justice
- MAQ-PHIX1037-Critical Thinking
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-PHIX262 (Not currently available)
Others
Pre-requisite: 40cp at 1000 level or above
NCCW (pre-2020 units) PHI220, PHL262, PHIL262, PHIX262
NCCW (2020 and onwards) PHIL2062 Philosophy of Psychology
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG
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