PHIL 483: Philosophy of Neuroscience
Syllabus
Ken Aizawa
Office: 201A Smith
Office Hours: by appointment.
Phone: x-5698.
e-mail: kaizawa@centenary.edu
Grades will be based on the average of four equally weighted components:
1) The average of a set of six quizzes.
Quizzes, in contrast to the papers, are meant to measure the breadth of a student=s understanding
of the primary readings. Class lectures and discussion will be designed to help students grasp
this relatively difficult material. Make-up quizzes will be allowed only through prior
arrangements. In any event, make-up quizzes must be completed within a week of their
originally scheduled time.
2) A short (4-5 page) paper on Explaining the Brain.
3) An 800 word commentary on some dimension of the neuroscience of free will.
4) A short (4-5 page) paper on Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience.
Participation
Because of the importance of class participation, three unexcused absences will result in your
class grade being lowered one letter. Every three additional unexcused absences will result in
your class grade being lowered another letter. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure to
sign the attendance sheet.
It is the policy of Centenary College to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to
federal law, state law, and the College's commitment to equal educational opportunities. Any
student with a disability who needs accommodations, for example in seating placement or in
arrangements for examinations, should inform the instructor at the beginning of the course.
Students with disabilities need to contact Disability Services (a division of Counseling Services),
which is located in the ground floor of Rotary Hall to obtain services. Telephone: 318-8695466/5424.
Consistent with Centenary College’s mission, this course strives:
 to examine ideas critically
 to have students have write and speak clearly
 to have students read, listen, and think critically
 to have students comprehend, interpret, and synthesize ideas
 to have students analyze information qualitatively and quantitatively