Assignment Overview
Research Essay (1, 800 words)
Please choose ONLY one question from A & B and work on the chosen question . Please be based and focus on only the provided materials and read through, refer to and quote from the following resources provided. And you also must have an access to read the materials.
Question A
Is phenomenal consciousness an illusion? Discuss in relation to Keith Frankish’s “Illusionism as a Theory of Consciousness” and other relevant readings and lecture materials.
The following 5 Resources for Question A Read, based and Refer to, quote from the library reading lists provided below.
- Illusionism as a Theory of Consciousnessin Journal of Consciousness Studies
- Journal of Consciousness Studies: Special issue on Frankish’s paper (Special issue on Frankish’s illusionism paper consisting of Frankish’s original paper, many different responses to Frankish (including responses mentioned in the lecturer by Goff and Schwitzgebel), and Frankish’s replies to these commentators)
- Is Consciousness an Illusion?in The New York Review of BooksArticle by Thomas Nagel Thomas Nagel Freeman Dyson H. Allen Orr Martin Filler Elizabeth Drew Antony Beevor Alison Lurie Alex Hutchinson Verlyn Klinkenborg Garry Wills Eleanor Davis, introduction by Gabriel Winslow-Yost Daphne Merkin 2017
- This is Philosophy of Mind Book by Pete Mandik 2013
- The Normative Challenge for Illusionist Views of Consciousness
Question B
Can phenomenal consciousness be analysed in terms of intentionality? Discuss in relation to the debate between Amy Kind and Angela Mendelovici, and potentially other relevant readings and lecture materials
The following 5 Resources for Question B: Read, based and Refer to, quote from the library reading lists provided below.
Current Controversies in Philosophy of Mind 2013 Book by Uriah Kriegel; Ebook . ( the main read) (Read Amy Kind, Chapter 5: The Case against Representationalism about Moods and Angela Mendelovici Chapter 6: Pure Intentionalism about Moods and Emotions (at least read chapter 5 and if you have time chapter 6 as well)
- Smelling lessonsin Philosophical Studies, Article by Clare Batty 2011-3
- A Representational Account of Olfactory Experience in Canadian Journal of Philosophy Article by CLARE BATTY 01/2010
- The Intrinsic Quality of Experiencein Philosophical Perspectives Article by Gilbert Harman 1990
- Representational Theories of Consciousness Article by Lycan, William 2000/05/22 (The SEP entry on Representational Theories of Consciousness)
Task:
Write an 1,800-word (main text only) essay that answers just ONE of the questions given bel (which question you choose to answer is up to you).
Make sure to carefully read and follow the Guidelines given after the questions.
Brief of Assessment Requirements
The assessment is a Research Essay (1,800 words) where students are required to choose only one question from the two options provided:
Question A:
- Topic: “Is phenomenal consciousness an illusion?”
- Focus: Discuss in relation to Keith Frankish’s “Illusionism as a Theory of Consciousness” and other relevant readings and lecture materials.
- Key Resources (must read, refer, and quote):
- Frankish, Illusionism as a Theory of Consciousness, Journal of Consciousness Studies
- Special issue responses to Frankish’s paper in Journal of Consciousness Studies
- Nagel, Is Consciousness an Illusion?, The New York Review of Books
- Mandik, This is Philosophy of Mind (2013)
- The Normative Challenge for Illusionist Views of Consciousness
Question B:
- Topic: “Can phenomenal consciousness be analysed in terms of intentionality?”
- Focus: Debate between Amy Kind and Angela Mendelovici and other relevant readings.
- Key Resources (must read, refer, and quote):
- Kriegel, Current Controversies in Philosophy of Mind (Chapter 5 and 6)
- Batty, Smelling Lessons, Philosophical Studies (2011-3)
- Batty, A Representational Account of Olfactory Experience, Canadian Journal of Philosophy (2010)
- Harman, The Intrinsic Quality of Experience, Philosophical Perspectives (1990)
- Lycan, Representational Theories of Consciousness (2000/05/22)
General Requirements:
- Word limit: 1,800 words (main text only)
- Strictly use the provided materials
- Quote and reference readings correctly
- Follow guidelines provided after the questions
Step-by-Step Approach by Academic Mentor
1. Understanding the Task
- The Academic mentor first explained the difference between Question A and B, helping the student identify their interest and knowledge strengths.
- Key guidance: choose one question, stick strictly to the provided readings, and understand the essay’s argument structure.
2. Reviewing and Organizing Resources
- Mentor guided the student to thoroughly read each resource relevant to their chosen question.
- Created summary notes for each reading: main argument, key points, supporting evidence, and counterpoints.
- Recommended highlighting quotes and page numbers to streamline referencing later.
3. Planning the Essay Structure
- The mentor helped create an essay outline, ensuring all key points from readings were covered:
Introduction: Define phenomenal consciousness and outline the essay argument.
Main Body:- Section 1: Present the primary theory (Frankish’s Illusionism or Kind/Mendelovici debate)
- Section 2: Discuss supporting and opposing viewpoints from readings
- Section 3: Analyze and critically evaluate arguments
Conclusion: Summarize findings and present reasoned judgment
4. Drafting the Essay
- Mentor guided the student in writing each section step-by-step:
- Introduction: Establish context, define terms, and present thesis.
- Theoretical Discussion: Summarize core arguments from primary readings.
- Critical Analysis: Compare and contrast views, include counterarguments.
- Evidence Integration: Use quotes strategically to support points.
- Conclusion: Tie arguments together, reaffirm thesis, and reflect on implications.