Universität Wien
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180054 SE The Evolved Apprentice (2020S)

Evolution Through Information Sharing Across Generations

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Texts and Seminar in English

  • Tuesday 10.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 17.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 24.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 31.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 21.04. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 28.04. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 05.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 12.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 19.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 26.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 09.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 16.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 23.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 30.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

How did human minds become so different from those of other animals? What accounts for our capacity to understand and modulate our surroundings, ourselves, and others?

Sterelny proposes a new theory of the evolution of human cognition and human social life. He emphasises the gradual evolution of information-sharing practices across generations and how these practices transformed human minds and social lives.

We will read and discuss Sterelny's book ' The Evolved Apprentice' and articles from other key participants in this debate, including work by Godfrey-Smith, Heyes, and Tomasello.

The seminar will give an overview of the debate on the uniqueness of human beings. We will focus on philosophers of mind that make use of the knowledge in evolution theory, cognitive science, and social science.

The seminar meetings will be used to explain core concepts and for (small group) discussions. These discussions will be the fundament for the outline, outline presentation, and essay.

Assessment and permitted materials

- Active participation/preparation: reading the text and participation in forum discussion (20%)
- A project outline of the essay you want to write at (25%).
- Presentation of the outline (15%)
- 2500-3000 word essay (40%)

All have to be written in English.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

A positive evaluation requires students to achieve a pass grade (4) in all four assessment pieces, and to actively attend the seminar. Two unauthorized absences will be excused.
Active seminar attendance includes reading the assigned core texts and participation in forum discussions (11 out of 14 meetings), 24 hours before each seminar.

Examination topics

Students can write their essays on any topics linked to the seminar themes. Students are encouraged to develop their own research topics, and to consult with the lecturer on their writing plans.

Reading list

• Kim Sterelny, ‘The Evolved Apprentice’, MIT Press
• Texts from, amongst others, Cecilia Heyes, Peter Godfrey-Smith and Michael Tomasello

By registering for this course you agree that the automated plagiarism-check software Turnitin will check all of the written assignments you submit on moodle.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:20