FYSM 119 - Mind/Body and the Concept of Self

Institution:

Trinity College

Subject:

Description:

The study of mind/body interaction has been a topic of scientific, philosophical, and religious speculation for centuries, as theologians, scientists and philosophers have grappled with questions such as "How does someone become possessed by evil spirits " or "Exactly where in the body does the mind reside " In the mental health fields as well, questions about how the "mind" influences the body and vice versa have challenged many: What are hallucinations Is depression physical or psychological Can stress cause cancer Just what is the "self " Answers proposed to these puzzling interactions have been equally broad ranging. With renewed vigor over about the past twenty years, psychology, and increasingly, medicine as well, has begun to recognize just how direct and complex these issues of mind/body/self interaction really are. New evidence of the effects of stress on health, the biological and psychological components of most major mental illnesses, and the psychological components of many physical illnesses have all helped mobilize professional and public attention to these fascinating issues. At the same time, others with less commitment to scientific and scholarly investigation have blurred the lines between legitimate scientific understanding and unsubstantiated sensationalistic rhetoric, sometimes creating the public impression that the entire area of mind/body interaction is really nothing but some kind of pseudo-science or "new age" hyperbole. In this seminar, we will examine the current state of mind/body health and the concept of "self" through critical reading, writing and discussion. Students will also help shape and decide some of the specific topics in the seminar, based on their own interests and ideas. Only first-year students are eligible to enroll in this class. 1.00 units, Seminar

Credits:

1.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.Trincoll.edu

Phone Number:

(860) 297-2000

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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