Philosophy of Mind

by Andrew Pessin

An audio course on the philosophy of mind, consisting of 14 35-minute lectures plus a long handbook outlining the course and providing further references. Covers the main questions, issues, and debates in the philosophy of mind, including the mind-body problem, the question whether computers can have minds, and free will.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Psychology, Science

Audiobook

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

Andrew Pessin is Professor of Philosophy at Connecticut College, with degrees from Yale and Columbia, and author of four novels—and portrayed “The Genius” on the Late Show with David Letterman (link below). Author of many academic works and philosophical works for a general audience, his book, "Uncommon Sense: The Strangest Ideas from the Smartest Philosophers," was named an “Outstanding Academic Title of 2013” by Choice. In recent years he has published four novels. "The Second Daughter," written under the pen name J. Jeffrey—read the novel to find out why the pen name!—was a Semi-Finalist in Literary Fiction at The Kindle Book Review Book awards, and he greatly enjoyed meeting (either in person or by video link) with the many bookclubs that adopted it. His novel, "The Irrationalist," is an historical murder mystery based on the tragic life and mysterious death of the famous philosopher, René Descartes. "Nevergreen" is an academic satire examining cancel culture and the ideological excesses that generate it, and "Bright College Years" aims to capture the essence of the college experience. In his spare time Pessin composes and can occasionally be coaxed to perform amusing philosophy songs. For more information, visit www.andrewpessin.com.

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give Andrew Pessin's Audio Series Philosophy of Mind (5) STARS!
I was completely enthralled by Mr. Pessin's insights. The way he explained each possibility and each step in a way that is conducive for following the conversation on a complicated subject matter and in depth explaination for laymen and managed to not come off as condescending was especially appealing to me. How enlightening and what a joy to listen to.
I enjoyed them very much and I certainly would like to recommend them to each of you. Mr. Pessin took the time to contact me personally and impresses me as a writer, a speaker, and an individual. I received my copy of the Philosophy of Mind Audio Series by Andrew Pessin for free through the Goodreads Fist Reads Program.

[Andrew Pessin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic audio course on the philosophy of mind which, as its author, I do say so myself! 14 35-minute lectures on all the major questions, issues, debates, and thought experiments, including the mind-body problem, computer minds, and free will. Available as CDs or as downloads.

[Gopal Sadagopal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring. Should have expected when the author promotes himself as 'genius'

[Edwin B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pessin's lectures in this audiobook explored the nature of mind, the mysterious interaction between mind and body (the brain), and the enigma of consciousness. He explained the longstanding debate between dualism (mind and body as two distinct substances) and physicalism (mind as simply the epiphenomena of brain activity). I got lost in many of the impressive technical discussions, but I got the general drift. Pessin was good in letting you make up your mind, and predictably (these days), I leaned against materialism and determinism. Conspiciously absent from the lectures was a treatment of idealism - the notion that not only thoughts but also sensations (of the "material" world) are all Idea.

[Skip (David) Everling · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 14 lecture philosophy course that's a good introduction and history of Philosophy of Mind, but not particularly deep in any one point of view due to the professor sticking to moderate, mostly impartial remarks on each debate. Having taken other Philosophy of Mind courses from both The Teaching Company and elsewhere, I was hoping that Andrew Pessin might take a stronger presentation style (one of my favorites is Prof. Patrick Grim from TTC on this same topic).

The last lecture on Eliminativism finally brought in what I consider to be one of the best responses to all the prior qualia centric philosophy by paraphrasing Dennett's excellent Quining.

[John Martindale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Pessin, did a wonderful job of making the complex simple enough, to follow him without getting lost and confused. He also never showed any sign of bias, he did not treat those who are not phyiscalist with scorn and ridicule as so many modern philosophers can't help but do. This was refreshing to me. I definitely want to listen to it again

[Michael Franznick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for everyone, but I found this introduction to concepts of "mind" fascinating! Professor Pessin obviously enjoys philosophy, and presents the material in an unassuming, clear way. I am hungry for this type material, and am glad to have read this book.

I am glad to know I am not alone pondering these fundamental questions about thought.

[Barbara]

This looks great and very interesting. I used to listen to audio books on cd all the time, but I haven't in a while. This seems like something that would be great on audio. This could be a great book to begin the New Year with!!!

[LemontreeLime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed to listen to this 2 or 3 times. It's as chock full of conceptual data as a house of Cartesian dualists...