Mind and Brain
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
- Develop a strong research background and understanding of the scientific foundation of cognitive psychology and neuroscience.
- Develop a knowledge base of human behavior across the broad areas of psychology.
- Become aware of the applications of cognitive psychology in different fields, such as research, education, and cognitive empowerment.
- Develop a knowledge base of human behavior across the broad areas of psychology.
- Become aware of the applications of cognitive psychology in different fields, such as research, education, and cognitive empowerment.
Expected learning outcomes
2.a Knowledge
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major theoretical approaches and findings in psychology,
- Develop a sound understanding of the biological basis of cognitive processes and of the crossroad between psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy of mind
- Know the research methods used in psychology,
- Critically assess information related to the study of behavior and cognitive processes, and use the critical assessment in shaping conclusions and arguments
2.b Applied knowledge
- Use of different methods and technologies for studying concepts and conducting research
- Develop the ability to read a scientific report critically to be able to find strengths and limitations. Develop specific skills in writing science reports using an interdisciplinary approach
- Communicate ideas effectively in writing and orally using a research reporting style
- Use of the neuro-cognitive approach to face practical issues in different fields such as education, teaching, communication, emotion management, relationships.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major theoretical approaches and findings in psychology,
- Develop a sound understanding of the biological basis of cognitive processes and of the crossroad between psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy of mind
- Know the research methods used in psychology,
- Critically assess information related to the study of behavior and cognitive processes, and use the critical assessment in shaping conclusions and arguments
2.b Applied knowledge
- Use of different methods and technologies for studying concepts and conducting research
- Develop the ability to read a scientific report critically to be able to find strengths and limitations. Develop specific skills in writing science reports using an interdisciplinary approach
- Communicate ideas effectively in writing and orally using a research reporting style
- Use of the neuro-cognitive approach to face practical issues in different fields such as education, teaching, communication, emotion management, relationships.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
What is the relation between the mind and the brain when it comes to psychiatric illness? Are psychiatric disorders disorders of the brain, of the mind, or both? And what kind of science should psychiatry be? Should it be reduced to cognitive neuroscience, or should it built on the integration of insights from multiple perspectives - including the neurosciences, psychology, phenomenology, and the social sciences?
During this course we will revisit the classic philosophical debate about the relation between the mind and the brain in the context of psychiatry as an interdisciplinary endeavour. We will discuss the concept of mental illness and ask what counts as a scientific explanation of it. We will reflect on the challenges of psychiatric classification and diagnosis and on whether psychiatric categories are natural kinds or social constructs, and what is at stake in treating them one way or the other. Finally, we will examine the role that values should and should play in the context of treatment and intervention at multiple levels.
During this course we will revisit the classic philosophical debate about the relation between the mind and the brain in the context of psychiatry as an interdisciplinary endeavour. We will discuss the concept of mental illness and ask what counts as a scientific explanation of it. We will reflect on the challenges of psychiatric classification and diagnosis and on whether psychiatric categories are natural kinds or social constructs, and what is at stake in treating them one way or the other. Finally, we will examine the role that values should and should play in the context of treatment and intervention at multiple levels.
Prerequisites for admission
Some basic notions of philosophy of science
Teaching methods
Lectures, weekly readings, and in-class discussions
Teaching Resources
Key works
Cooper, R. (2014). Psychiatry and philosophy of science. Routledge.
Murphy, D. (2012). Psychiatry in the scientific image. Mit Press.
Tsou, J. Y. (2021). Philosophy of psychiatry. Cambridge University Press.
Required readings
The required readings will be selected articles and book chapters made available in the course page in Ariel.
Cooper, R. (2014). Psychiatry and philosophy of science. Routledge.
Murphy, D. (2012). Psychiatry in the scientific image. Mit Press.
Tsou, J. Y. (2021). Philosophy of psychiatry. Cambridge University Press.
Required readings
The required readings will be selected articles and book chapters made available in the course page in Ariel.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The course will be assessed by means of an essay. Attending students will have the opportunity to develop their essay in stages during the course.
M-PSI/01 - GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Marchionni Caterina
Professor(s)
Reception:
Mondays, 14.00-15.00
Office (last floor, Via Festa del Perdono 7), or online