Coursework

SUBMISSION OF COURSEWORK

All coursework must be uploaded and submitted to FASer, the University’s Online Coursework Submission system available at http://faser.essex.ac.uk/.   Please ensure that your assignment is watermarked, by selecting the ‘watermark’ tick box on FASer.

The deadline for online submissions is 10.00 on the date stipulated. 

We strongly recommend that you do this earlier to avoid any last minute issues.  You must ensure that you are familiar with this process well in advance of the deadline.  Guidance on how to upload your work is available on the FASer website through the submission system.

When submitting your coursework, please make sure:

1)      that your name, the module code and coursework title is clearly set out at the top of the first page;

2)      that you include the ‘Essay Cover Sheet’ at the front of the assignment or as an additional document.  Copies of the cover sheet can be found on Moodle or the School’s Website at: http://www.essex.ac.uk/philosophy/current_students/resources/default.aspx ;

3)      A word count is displayed at the end of your essay.

No extensions will be granted.  Students who fail to submit their coursework by the stipulated deadline will receive a mark of zero unless they are able to submit a valid claim for late submission.  Details of the University’s Late Submission Policy can be found at http://www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/students/ug/crswk_pol.htm .

Every year we have a number of students who are found guilty of plagiarism and the penalties can be severe.  For a second offence it usually means that the student concerned is asked to withdraw.  If you are uncertain about how to reference your work take a look at the following web site:  http://www.essex.ac.uk/plagiarism/    or speak to one of your lecturers.

ESSAY QUESTIONS

SpringTerm Essay

Deadline:         10.00 am, Thursday 17 March, 2016

Return Date:    2.00 pm, Monday, 18 April, 2016

Answer one of the following questions:

1. Drawing on the readings from Week 16 and additional related resources, discuss the legitimacy of a phenomenological approach to the philosophy of mind. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of such an approach and make a case for or against relying on phenomenology in this area of philosophical inquiry.
2. Discuss the prospects for a complete reduction of consciousness to an underlying physical basis. What are the motives for such a reduction? What are its chief impediments or problems? Make a case for or against the possibility of such a reduction.
3. Is it possible to have a mind without a body? Drawing on the readings from Week 22 and additional resources, make a case for or against the possibility for a disembodied mind. Be sure to adduce the strongest evidence for each position in the course of defending your preferred position.

1. In week 17 we looked at high-order theories of consciousness.  Argue for or against the claim that such a theory represents an adequate approach to the study of consciousness. Be sure to consider alternative approaches when making your assessment.  
2. Clearly reconstruct the problem of other minds and the debate between the theory theory and the simulation theory. Which approach best accounts for the available evidence? What can the phenomenology of intersubjectivity add to this debate?

Second (Optional) Essay

Deadline:         10.00 am, Thursday 5 May, 2016   No late coursework will be accepted

Return Date:    2.00 pm, Thursday 12 May, 2016

If you wish to write an optional essay and are eligible to do so, then choose a question (not the one you have already answered) from the list above.

Feedback will be provided when your coursework is returned.  If you would like to discuss the feedback received then please do not hesitate to get in touch with your lecturer or class/seminar teacher in their office hours (as shown on their office doors) or by appointment.