Neurophilosophy

Explore the mind to understand the world

The neurophilosophy major provides the opportunity to study the conceptual, physical, behavioral and moral aspects of cognition and the mind-brain. You will receive a solid grounding in both neurosciences and philosophical methodology, including functional cognitive neuroscience, statistical analysis, empirical research methodology, logic and philosophy of mind.

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Featured Courses

Here is a sampling of a few courses that might pique your interest.

PHIL 3120 Philosophy of Mind

Examine the nature of the mind. Topics include the mental versus physical explanations of minds, perception, optical and cognitive illusions, personal identity, artificial intelligence, and explanations of moral and religious beliefs.

PHIL 3300 Moral Psychology and Neuroscience

Examine the evolutionary, cognitive and neurological mechanisms of human moral psychology. Topics include moral decision making, moral development theory and cognitive moral pathologies.

Degree Options

Discover your degrees, minors, concentrations and certification options available for this field of study.

Neurophilosophy, B.A.

Neurophilosophy, B.S.

Original Research Senior Project

A student’s senior project will be an original research project of the student’s own design.

1 of 5 Neurophilosophy Programs in U.S.

This rare major is available in only about five schools in the US.

The Collaborative Study of the Mind

Neurophilosophy involves neuroscience, psychology and philosophy and continues to be an active area of research.

Our distinctive strengths

If you pursue this major, you will receive a solid grounding in both neurosciences and philosophical methodology, including functional cognitive neuroscience, statistical analysis, empirical research methodology, logic and philosophy of mind. Broad areas of study in this field include the nature of the mind, the nature of brain activity, the mind-brain relationship, methodology problems in neuroscience and neuroimaging, the relationship between emotion and behavior, and the nature of consciousness, moral psychology, religious neuropsychology, artificial intelligence, neuroethics, neurolaw, evidence-based public policy, and models of psychopathology.

Rare major that is available in only about five schools in the U.S.
Senior project is an original research project of the student’s own design

Gain hands-on experience

Students have the opportunity to attend major conferences in neuroscience and philosophy and meet important researchers in the field. Neurophilosophy majors apply their studies to a research project of their own design as a capstone experience, which satisfied the senior comprehensive exam requirement. This projects may include original empirical research. Previous project have included the nature of trust, diagnostic criteria for ADHD, the influence of federal aid programs on obesity, the history of schizophrenia and the moral psychology of psychopaths.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Pathways

Neurophilosophy majors will find a Pathways connection in the Health; Law, Politics and Social Leadership; STEM and Data Science; Business and Exploratory Pathways tracks.

Learn More About Pathways

Study Abroad

All Millsaps students can take advantage of our study-abroad classes. Millsaps College is ranked as one of the best study-abroad programs in the country! Check out all the opportunities.

Upcoming Study-Abroad Classes