The word "cognitive" is everywhere: from contemporary capitalism, sometimes called cognitive, to behavior and cognitive therapies, to cognitive neurosciences... Is there any real common point between these different expressions, and if so, which is it? Is it enough to refer to the brain to acknowledge the cognitive title? Does the cognitive perspective lead to a reductionist view of human nature?

The course will aim to give tools to understand and contemporary cognitive sciences. I will rely both on classic books and articles and on recent results, both in fundamental research and in applied research.

 

Bibliography

  • Changeux, JP. (1984).  L’Homme neuronal, Paris, Hachette.
  • Damasio, A. (1999).  Le Sentiment même de soi, Paris, Odile Jacob.
  • Dehaene, S. (2014).  Le Code de la conscience, Paris, Odile Jacob.
  • Fodor, JA. (1986).  La Modularité de l'esprit , Paris, Éditions de Minuit.
  • Imbert, M. (2006).  Traité du cerveau , Paris, Odile Jacob.
  • Jacob, P. (1997).  Pourquoi les choses ont-elles un sens ?  Paris, Odile Jacob.
  • Jackendoff, R. (2002).  Foundations of language: brain, meaning, grammar, evolution. Oxford, Oxford UP
  • Pinker, S. (2000).  Comment fonctionne l'esprit , Paris, Odile Jacob.

 

Evaluation modalities: Written exam (4h)

Are allowed personal notes (handwritten or printed) and paper verion language dictionary, except for other printed or handout documents and dictionaries and electronic translators. Are forbidden tablets and smartphones.

 

Course language: French