PSYC 324T(S) Great Debates in Cognition
The field of cognition is filled with controversies about how the mind really works. For example, is there sufficient evidence for a system in vision that can become aware of things without actually "seeing" them? Is it necessary to assume that babies come into the world armed with innate linguistic knowledge? Are humans inherently rational? Can we make inference about the mind using neuroimaging? These debates, and others that we will consider, help fuel scientific discovery in cognition in interesting ways. In this class, we will consider some of these contemporary debates, weigh evidence on both sides, and discuss the implications for what we know about the mind.
Format: tutorial. Requirements: Students will meet in pairs with the instructor for an hour each week. Evaluation will be based on weekly papers and oral arguments.
Prerequisites: Psychology 221 or 222 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limit: 10 (expected: 10). Preference given to psychology majors and cognitive science concentrators.
Tutorial meetings to be arranged. ZAKI