Perception, interpretation, and the explanation of delusional beliefs. The occurrence of bizarrely false beliefs, called delusions, presents challenges, not only for clinical psychiatric practice, but also for psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy. The aim of this project is to make a distinctively philosophical contribution to our understanding of delusional beliefs by addressing three philosophical questions raised by the study of delusions, questions about perception, interpretation, and e ....Perception, interpretation, and the explanation of delusional beliefs. The occurrence of bizarrely false beliefs, called delusions, presents challenges, not only for clinical psychiatric practice, but also for psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy. The aim of this project is to make a distinctively philosophical contribution to our understanding of delusional beliefs by addressing three philosophical questions raised by the study of delusions, questions about perception, interpretation, and explanation. Answers to these questions will constitute substantial contributions to three central areas of philosophy, but their significance also extends beyond philosophy. They will impact on the scientific investigation of delusions and will contribute indirectly to the treatment and rehabilitation of sufferers.
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Conscious states in conscious creatures: A philosophical framework for the science of consciousness. Consciousness is a major research focus world-wide. Though Australia is well represented in the field, comparatively few Australian researchers have ventured into the philosophy of consciousness science. This project will consolidate Australian research scholarship in this foundational area of philosophy, and will also contribute to the emergence of an experimental science of consciousness. An un ....Conscious states in conscious creatures: A philosophical framework for the science of consciousness. Consciousness is a major research focus world-wide. Though Australia is well represented in the field, comparatively few Australian researchers have ventured into the philosophy of consciousness science. This project will consolidate Australian research scholarship in this foundational area of philosophy, and will also contribute to the emergence of an experimental science of consciousness. An understanding of consciousness is important for understanding a number of national health concerns such as schizophrenia, coma and epilepsy. This is a project in the philosophical foundations of consciousness science, but it has some potential to inform new research and therapeutic strategies in these areas.Read moreRead less
Psychotherapy in dealing with grief in Antiquity - strategies for contemporary society. Death and aging pose a major cultural as well as economic problem for contemporary society. They are problematic in how we deal with them and a financial strain on society. By viewing grief as a universal human issue this project explores what contribution the ancient tradition can make to modern strategies. Ancient philosophical writings offer well-considered reflections on how to work through grief, while m ....Psychotherapy in dealing with grief in Antiquity - strategies for contemporary society. Death and aging pose a major cultural as well as economic problem for contemporary society. They are problematic in how we deal with them and a financial strain on society. By viewing grief as a universal human issue this project explores what contribution the ancient tradition can make to modern strategies. Ancient philosophical writings offer well-considered reflections on how to work through grief, while many literary expressions provide a further opportunity for empathy and recognition. Thus the project will investigate whether the classical arguments and various experience-based accounts offer both a rational and empathic source of consolation.Read moreRead less