https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/P_BFILPSYStudents exhibit comprehension of central approaches in philosophy of mind and can adeptly employ corresponding considerations to psychological discourses, such as those concerning consciousness, free will, and social cognition.Students demonstrate a nuanced understanding of key stances in the philosophy of science and can adeptly employ corresponding considerations to psychology. This includes considerations related to reasoning, explanation, methodology, and their application in clinical practice.Students are equipped to analyze the reciprocal relationship between philosophical assumptions and theory formation, on one hand, and psychological methodologies and research, on the other.Students are proficient in critically reflecting upon and constructively evaluating the strengths and limitations of viewpoints at the intersection of philosophy and psychology.This course offers an exploration of the philosophical dimensions of psychology, centering on two key areas: (1) Philosophy of Mind and (2) Philosophy of Science. By engaging with these two topics, students gain insights to critically evaluate the assumptions, techniques, and practices within psychology and navigate their field with a deeper understanding of its philosophical underpinnings. In the first part, we delve into the main philosophical positions regarding the so-called ‘mind-body problem’: What is the mind, and does it relate to brain, body, and environment? What implications does this have for psychological research? We thereby analyze how these philosophical inquiries intersect with psychological research, focusing on concepts central to both disciplines, such as consciousness, social understanding, or free will. Through this exploration, we illuminate the reciprocal influence of philosophical theory formation on psychological research and vice versa. The second part of the course centers on discussions within the philosophy of science, focusing on the foundations and challenges of scientific reasoning as well as the role of biases and values in scientific progress. Focusing stronger on psychology as an individual disciplines, the course raises philosophical questions about methodologies and explanations in psychology as well as their translation into clinical practice (e.g., psychiatry).The course consists of 12 lectures as well as 6 tutorial sessions. Attending the tutorial sessions is compulsory.The final grade for the course consists of two components: 1. Exam (50%): The exam consists of 45 multiple-choice questions (Learning Objectives 1, 2, & 3) 2. Assignments (50%): The course also includes two assignments which each count for 25% of the final grade (Learning Objectives 3 & 4) Important: Successful completion of the course requires a sufficient for the final average of each component! This means that it is not possible to pass the course without receiving a ‘sufficient’ for each individual component, including each individual assignment.Mendik, P. (2014) This Is Philosophy of Mind: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell. Okasha, S. (2016) Philosophy of Science: A Very Short introduction. Oxford University Press. Slors, M., De Bruin, L., & Strijbos, D. (2015) Philosophy of Mind, Brain, and Behavior. Boom. The literature is made accessible to all students via Canvas. Students are expected to read the mandatory literature before the lectures.Lectures are in English, workgroups are in English or Dutch dependent on the chosen track.