180218 VO-L Cognitive Science - Introduction and Basic Concepts (2025W)
Labels
An/Abmeldung
Hinweis: Ihr Anmeldezeitpunkt innerhalb der Frist hat keine Auswirkungen auf die Platzvergabe (kein "first come, first served").
Details
Sprache: Englisch
Prüfungstermine
Lehrende
Termine
Mon. 29.09. 13:00-16:00 Introduction meeting (MEi:CogSci students only)
Thu. 02.10. 09:00-11:00 General preparation meeting for MEi:CogSci courses (MEi:CogSci students only)
Mon. 06.10. 09:00-13:00 VO Symbol Systems, Connectionism
Mon. 13.10. 09:00-13:00 VO Connectionism, Dynamical Systems
Mon. 20.10. 09:00-13:00 VO Artificial Neural Networks (by Prof. Igor Farkas from the Comenius University in Bratislava)
Mon. 27.10. 09:00-13:00 VO 4E Cognition
Mon. 03.11. 09:00-13:00 VO Predictive Processing, ReflectionAll lectures are held in lecture hall HS2i, NIG.
Information
Ziele, Inhalte und Methode der Lehrveranstaltung
Art der Leistungskontrolle und erlaubte Hilfsmittel
The course is assessed through a 90-minute written examination. Students are required to answer two out of three open-ended questions. Responses should be written in essay format, with approximately two pages per question.The use of aids is not permitted during the examination. This includes electronic devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, smartphones) and printed materials (e.g., books, articles, notes).All course materials will be available on Moodle.Please make sure to register for the examination ahead of time. No admission without registration.*** Optional bonus achievements ***
This lecture uses optional bonus achievements to support continuous learning. By successfully completing all bonus achievements, students may be eligible to receive a one-grade improvement. However, completing all bonus achievements does not guarantee a positive overall assessment. (For example, if a student fails the exam, bonus achievements will not be considered.)Students are permitted to use Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat when working on bonus achievements, to help develop their AI literacy. Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is based on GPT-4/GPT-5 and includes Enterprise Data Protection. Its use is only allowed if the following conditions are met: (1) Use is explicitly disclosed and (2) the University of Vienna’s guidelines for using Generative AI have been understood and followed.Students of the University of Vienna have free access to Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat by ordering and activating Microsoft 365 for Students at no cost. See:
* AI in studies and teaching: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/studying-exams/ai-in-studies-and-teaching/
* Microsoft 365 for students: https://zid.univie.ac.at/en/software-for-students/user-guides/microsoft-365-students/
* Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat: https://www.microsoft365.com/chat
This lecture uses optional bonus achievements to support continuous learning. By successfully completing all bonus achievements, students may be eligible to receive a one-grade improvement. However, completing all bonus achievements does not guarantee a positive overall assessment. (For example, if a student fails the exam, bonus achievements will not be considered.)Students are permitted to use Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat when working on bonus achievements, to help develop their AI literacy. Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is based on GPT-4/GPT-5 and includes Enterprise Data Protection. Its use is only allowed if the following conditions are met: (1) Use is explicitly disclosed and (2) the University of Vienna’s guidelines for using Generative AI have been understood and followed.Students of the University of Vienna have free access to Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat by ordering and activating Microsoft 365 for Students at no cost. See:
* AI in studies and teaching: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/studying-exams/ai-in-studies-and-teaching/
* Microsoft 365 for students: https://zid.univie.ac.at/en/software-for-students/user-guides/microsoft-365-students/
* Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat: https://www.microsoft365.com/chat
Mindestanforderungen und Beurteilungsmaßstab
To take the exam it is required that you are registered for the examination date.
To pass the exam it is required that you identify yourself with a valid photo ID.Assessment criteria (weight):
* Quality of Argument (60%), i.e., clarity, coherence, and depth of the argument; accurate use of concepts; responsiveness to the question
* Interdisciplinary Awareness (15%), i.e., ability to connect perspectives from different disciplines (e.g., philosophy, neuroscience, psychology) relevant to the topic.
* Personal Insight & Reflection (15%), i.e., thoughtful engagement with the material; awareness of one’s own disciplinary background and assumptions.
* Originality & Intellectual Contribution (10%), i.e., independent thinking, creative framing of ideas, or novel connections that go beyond course content.Points | Grade
93-100 | very good (1)
83-92 | good (2)
73-82 | satisfying (3)
60-72 | sufficient (4)
0-59 | failed (5)Assessment criteria for optional bonus achievements:
* All-or-Nothing Principle: All bonus achievements must be completed, submitted on time, and done in good faith.
To pass the exam it is required that you identify yourself with a valid photo ID.Assessment criteria (weight):
* Quality of Argument (60%), i.e., clarity, coherence, and depth of the argument; accurate use of concepts; responsiveness to the question
* Interdisciplinary Awareness (15%), i.e., ability to connect perspectives from different disciplines (e.g., philosophy, neuroscience, psychology) relevant to the topic.
* Personal Insight & Reflection (15%), i.e., thoughtful engagement with the material; awareness of one’s own disciplinary background and assumptions.
* Originality & Intellectual Contribution (10%), i.e., independent thinking, creative framing of ideas, or novel connections that go beyond course content.Points | Grade
93-100 | very good (1)
83-92 | good (2)
73-82 | satisfying (3)
60-72 | sufficient (4)
0-59 | failed (5)Assessment criteria for optional bonus achievements:
* All-or-Nothing Principle: All bonus achievements must be completed, submitted on time, and done in good faith.
Prüfungsstoff
Bermúdez, J. L. (2023). Cognitive science: An introduction to the science of the mind (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
* Chapter 4: Physical Symbol Systems and the Language of Thought
* Chapter 5: Neural Networks and Distributed Information Processing
* Chapter 6: Applying Dynamical Systems Theory to Model the MindClark, A. (2014). Mindware: An introduction to the philosophy of cognitive science (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
* Chapter 2: Symbol Systems
* Chapter 4: Connectionism
* Chapter 7: Dynamics
* Chapter 11: Prediction MachinesGallagher, S. (2023). Embodied and enactive approaches to cognition. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009209793
* Chapter 3: The First E: Embodiment
* Chapter 4: The Second E: Embedded Cognition
* Chapter 5: The Third E: Extended Cognition
* Chapter 6: The Fourth E: Enactive Cognition
* Chapter 4: Physical Symbol Systems and the Language of Thought
* Chapter 5: Neural Networks and Distributed Information Processing
* Chapter 6: Applying Dynamical Systems Theory to Model the MindClark, A. (2014). Mindware: An introduction to the philosophy of cognitive science (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
* Chapter 2: Symbol Systems
* Chapter 4: Connectionism
* Chapter 7: Dynamics
* Chapter 11: Prediction MachinesGallagher, S. (2023). Embodied and enactive approaches to cognition. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009209793
* Chapter 3: The First E: Embodiment
* Chapter 4: The Second E: Embedded Cognition
* Chapter 5: The Third E: Extended Cognition
* Chapter 6: The Fourth E: Enactive Cognition
Literatur
Supporting materials (optional):
* Alexander, C. (2025). What is 4E cognitive science? Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11097-025-10055-w
* Bermúdez, J. L. (2023). Cognitive science: An introduction to the science of the mind (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press. https://tinyurl.com/4zrrbcez
* Clark, A. (2013). Whatever next? Predictive brains, situated agents, and the future of cognitive science. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 36(3), 181–204. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X12000477
* Friedenberg, J. D., Silverman, G. W., & Spivey, M. J. (2022). Cognitive science: An introduction to the study of mind (4th ed.). SAGE Publications. https://tinyurl.com/3ksa7fbm
* Harré, R. (2002). Cognitive Science: A Philosophical Introduction. SAGE Publications.https://tinyurl.com/2v8y3w5u
* Hohwy, J. (2013). The predictive mind. Oxford University Press. https://tinyurl.com/ytx8nr9f
* Alexander, C. (2025). What is 4E cognitive science? Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11097-025-10055-w
* Bermúdez, J. L. (2023). Cognitive science: An introduction to the science of the mind (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press. https://tinyurl.com/4zrrbcez
* Clark, A. (2013). Whatever next? Predictive brains, situated agents, and the future of cognitive science. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 36(3), 181–204. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X12000477
* Friedenberg, J. D., Silverman, G. W., & Spivey, M. J. (2022). Cognitive science: An introduction to the study of mind (4th ed.). SAGE Publications. https://tinyurl.com/3ksa7fbm
* Harré, R. (2002). Cognitive Science: A Philosophical Introduction. SAGE Publications.https://tinyurl.com/2v8y3w5u
* Hohwy, J. (2013). The predictive mind. Oxford University Press. https://tinyurl.com/ytx8nr9f
Zuordnung im Vorlesungsverzeichnis
Letzte Änderung: Mi 05.11.2025 11:26
* Identify and distinguish major paradigms in cognitive science
* Explain the core assumptions and conceptual frameworks of each paradigm
* Recognize how different disciplines contribute to and align with different paradigms
* Compare paradigms conceptually, noting similarities, differences, and tensions
* Interpret research in light of specific paradigms and their methodological assumptions
* Reflect critically on the implications of different paradigms for understanding cognition in humans, animals, and machines
* Communicate foundational concepts and paradigm distinctions clearly, both orally and in writing