PP3PSY: Philosophy of Psychology

Module code: PP3PSY

Module provider: Philosophy; School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Credits: 20

Level: 6

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Walter Veit , email: w.r.w.veit@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The aim of this module is to offer a philosophical lens on the scientific study of the mind. We will examine conceptual and methodological problems in psychology, broadly conceived to include sciences of the mind. How do we gain evidence for one psychological theory or hypothesis over another? What is and why was there a replication crisis? What is the best way to understand psychiatric conditions? 

In this module, we will focus on a wide range of minds: not only human minds but also non-human minds, including animals and artificial intelligences. How can we study the diversity of minds in the world? What can we learn from the possibility of creating new forms of mind? This focus on the diversity of minds will help us to better understand diversity within the human species, i.e. neurodiversity – with conditions such as autism, ADHD, aphantasia, among many others. 

Through the study of philosophical texts, psychological research, and contemporary case studies, students will critically assess the philosophical assumptions and concepts underlying psychological theories and their relevance to broader philosophical questions about the mind. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Identify conceptual and methodological problems in the study of mind. 
2. Develop solutions to these problems and defend them in a precise and rigorous manner. 
3. Present arguments in the philosophy of psychology in writing and orally. 
4. Research and provide philosophical and as well as evidentiary support for alternative views by combining philosophical arguments and evidence from published empirical research. 

Module content

The content of this module will vary from year to year to offer a broad survey of both long-standing philosophical debates in psychology and emerging issues from contemporary research. 

Topics covered in the module may include: 

• Methodology of Psychological Research 
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• Animal Minds 
• Artificial Intelligence 
• Consciousness Science 
• Nature of Emotions 
• Free Will 
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• Evolutionary Psychology 
• Moral Psychology 

The topics will be explored through a combination of philosophical texts and psychological research broadly conceived to cover all the sciences of the mind. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module combines interactive lectures and seminars designed to foster engagement and critical thinking. Lectures introduce the weekly topic with an overview of key arguments and considerations, interspersed with opportunities for students to ask questions, offer insights, and engage in discussions. Seminars build on these foundations, focusing on group work, debate, and close examination of the required readings.  

Students are encouraged to actively participate in all sessions by discussing philosophical views, reflecting on the material, and collaboratively exploring ideas with their peers. 

Study hours

At least 26 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours w