electiveHQ

In this module we explore the interrelation between mind and body through a series of reflections on social and epistemological issues. We examine these issues in terms of the way they affect human action and shape our bodily habits, lived experience, and social identity. Many people think of the mind being in the body like a driver in a vehicle. But it is more accurate to speak of embodied minds – our mental states are also embodied ones. In this respect, the body is not understood as an object or a machine; instead, in this module, we examine the experience of living as an embodied person in the world, including how embodied experience and knowledge is shaped by social norms. This approach helps us to better understand our relationships with other people and with the world, particularly the ways in which certain environments, contexts and social relations might create or inhibit possibilities about what we can do on the basis of what we can know, and what we can know on the basis of what we can do. We approach the body and mind, and their relationship with others and the world, through the philosophical approach called phenomenology, as well as ideas drawn from social philosophy. We consider a range of issues such as gender, race, disability, and sexuality, for example. We also address the roles played by social structures, constructions of personhood and sub-personhood, markers of credibility, normalcy and abnormality. The module will be of interest to those in philosophy, humanities, and social sciences, but also across multiple disciplines. The module draws on critical phenomenological approaches and is a good companion course to PHIL20500 Phenomenology and Existentialism. If you are taking this module as an elective - you may be interested in pursuing a Structured Elective programme in Philosophy (this will entail taking two more Philosophy electives). Your University Transcript will show that you have a Structured Elective in Existential Philosophy & Critical Theory, as appropriate. For further details: See: https://www.ucd.ie/students/electives/structuredelectives.html