What is Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology (PNP)?
Philosophy - Neuroscience - Psychology (PNP) is an interdisciplinary program that provides an opportunity to examine the mind from multiple perspectives. In addition to philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology, PNP draws upon other disciplines whose investigations contribute to understanding cognition, such as biology, linguistics, education, and cultural anthropology. Each of the disciplines employs different modes of inquiry to examine various aspects of cognition. For example, from the perspective of neuroscience, investigating the workings of the mind means investigating the workings of the brain; from the perspective of linguistics, we gain insight into the mind by investigating one of its most complex products, namely language; and from the perspective of cultural anthropology, we gain insight into the mind's workings by looking at the workings of society. The goal of the major is for students to develop an understanding of the differences among the approaches used by these disciplines, and an appreciation of how they can provide converging perspectives on issues in cognition.
In additon to the PNP Major, the PNP program administers the Mind, Brain, and Behavior program, which is open to students entering any of the University's undergraduate schools. During the first year, freshman take two core courses that provide an introduction to the interdisciplinary study of the mind-brain. These courses are taught collaboratively by faculty members from different disciplines. In the sophmore year students are able to undertake research under the supervision of one or more members of the participating faculy members. Sophomores may choose among several research options, each combining independent work with opportunities to work collaboratively. The Mind, Brain, and Behavior program can serve as an entry sequence for the PNP major, but is also compatible with all majors and preprofessional programs.
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