Why this book?
- A systematic and balanced introduction to the main theories of mind
- Clear presentation of arguments for and against each view, drawn from primary sources
- Suitable for readers with little prior philosophical background
- Focus on fundamental issues such as consciousness, mental causation and the problem of other minds
- A fluent translation that makes the text usable for Persian-speaking readers
About the book
An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind by Keith Maslin is a well-known introductory text in the field, written for students and newcomers. Maslin, who taught philosophy for many years at Esher College in England, presents complex topics in plain language and an orderly structure.
The book surveys the principal theories of mind and body—from Cartesian dualism to the identity theory, behaviourism and functionalism. The author sets out the arguments for and against each position with references to classical and contemporary philosophers, while avoiding strong partisanship. Consciousness, mental causation, the problem of other minds and personal identity also receive careful attention.
This volume is the first in a larger project on the philosophy of the soul at the Institute for Islamic Philosophy and Theology. It is a suitable starting point for anyone wishing to become familiar with contemporary philosophy of mind without heavy philosophical prerequisites. Mehdi Zakeri’s translation adds clarity and precision for Persian readers.
What is the mind, and how do mental states differ from physical states? What relation holds between the mind and physical objects? Is the mind identical with them, dependent on them, or independent of them? These are among the questions in the philosophy of mind examined in the present book. The topics covered include the most important theories and problems in the field. The author discusses dualism, the mind-body identity theory, behaviourism, functionalism, and issues of consciousness, mental causation and other minds, explaining the arguments for and against each view with reference to the primary texts of the philosophers concerned, while presupposing as little prior philosophical knowledge as possible.
From the table of contents
- 1Dualism
- 2Mind-Body Identity
- 3Behaviourism
- 4Functionalism
- 5Consciousness
- 6Mental Causation
- 7Other Minds