Philosophy of Mind: Externalism and Identity Theory

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Questions and Answers

According to the provided content, what is a primary objection to externalism regarding knowledge of thought content?

  • Externalism necessitates empirical investigation to know thought contents, but these investigations presuppose prior knowledge of those contents, creating a paradox. (correct)
  • Externalism relies on introspection, which is an unreliable method for determining the content of one's thoughts.
  • Externalism suggests thoughts are merely physical states, eliminating the need for any knowledge of content.
  • Externalism implies that knowledge of thought content is only accessible through the testimony of others, undermining self-knowledge.

What difficulty arises for externalism when it comes to explaining behavior in physical terms?

  • Externalism makes it impossible to distinguish between different kinds of physical behavior, since all behavior is ultimately caused by external factors.
  • Externalism struggles to reconcile the idea that relational properties of content can be causally relevant to physical behavior, as non-relational physical states seem sufficient. (correct)
  • Externalism denies the possibility of physical explanations for behavior, favoring purely mentalistic accounts.
  • Externalism incorrectly assumes that physical states are irrelevant to mental content.

What is the 'core of the Cartesian conception of the mind' as described in the content?

  • Mental states are fundamentally relational and dependent on external factors.
  • Mental states are reducible to physical states and can be empirically investigated.
  • Mental states are theoretical concepts that are only knowable through inference and external observation.
  • Mental states, at least conscious ones involve non-inferential self-knowledge and can be causally relevant. (correct)

What is a reason mentioned in the text that physical states may not fully capture mental states?

<p>Physical states cannot possess both non-inferential knowability and causal relevance, two features associated with mental states. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the first feature of the Cartesian conception of the mind pose a problem for the psychophysical identity theory?

<p>The first feature of the Cartesian conception of the mind entails non-inferential knowability, standing in opposition to the plausibility of the psychophysical identity theory. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is a key implication of externalism exploiting the possibility of behavior remaining the same while thought contents vary?

<p>It suggests relational states are 'screened off' from behavioral effects by non-relational physical states. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do relational properties of content potentially clash causal explanations of our behavior (described physically)?

<p>Behavior (described physically) remaining the same coupled with one's non-relational physical states remaining the same while one's thought contents vary appears to show that relational states are “screened off” from the relevant effect types by the non-relational physical states. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between functionalism and the difficulty presented by relational properties of content?

<p>Functionalism faces a challenge because it relies on causal relations, but struggles with the causal relevance of relational properties. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of consciousness in relation to mental states?

<p>It is the most prominent feature of our mental lives. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher's idea is referenced concerning the nature of consciousness?

<p>William James (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the mind-body problem demonstrate about certain propositions?

<p>They are compelling when considered individually, but inconsistent when combined. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difficulty in defining consciousness?

<p>It proves to be elusive when examined closely. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What main category does Section 1.6 classify responses to the mind-body problem by?

<p>Which propositions are rejected from the inconsistent set. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does identifying consciousness as a mark of the mental suggest?

<p>It requires a deeper inquiry into what consciousness entails. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion is drawn in Section 1.7 regarding the understanding of mind in the natural world?

<p>It remains unresolved and complex. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In G.E. Moore’s observation, what happens when one focuses closely on consciousness?

<p>It appears to vanish or become empty. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the mistake in the original argument regarding natural kind terms?

<p>Confusing understanding of concepts with competence in using terms. (C), Assuming a correspondence between terms and properties. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as unnecessary in the argument about mind-body relations?

<p>The idea of metaphysical necessity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes externalist accounts of mental states?

<p>They emphasize relational properties and environmental interactions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes physical externalism from social externalism?

<p>Social externalism focuses on how our thoughts are influenced by social context. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of mental states, what do wide states refer to?

<p>States that are defined by environmental relations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a reductionist externalist account of thought content?

<p>It reduces concepts of mental states to functional and causal relations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why have externalist theories faced criticism?

<p>They are seen as overly reliant on environmental factors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do narrow states refer to in the context of thought content?

<p>States that are completely independent of relational properties. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'metaphysical necessity' lack according to the argument presented?

<p>An account of its grounding (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested to be a simpler explanation for the motivations behind introducing metaphysical necessity?

<p>Theories that rely on empirical results (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Lewis's account relate theoretical terms to concepts?

<p>A description of the property matches the theoretical term. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example given illustrating the discovery of a concept associated with a theoretical term?

<p>'Water' is identified through its molecular structure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical method is suggested to determine what property a theoretical term actually picks out?

<p>Empirical investigation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary claim of substance dualism?

<p>Both material and mental substances exist. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what can be said about a term like 'gold' before its concept is identified?

<p>It is known by its practical applications. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of truth does 'Gold is that element with atomic number 79' represent when the concept is discovered?

<p>A conceptual truth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher is most prominently associated with the development of dualism?

<p>René Descartes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does substance dualism address the relationship between mind and the mechanical philosophy?

<p>It finds a place for irreducible mental properties in a mechanical system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the relationship between terms and properties according to the passage?

<p>Terms are empirically linked to definable properties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Descartes consider a substance to be?

<p>That which is absolutely independent of everything else. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of substances according to the discourse on dualism?

<p>Substances lack any properties. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What historical context influenced Descartes’ arguments for dualism?

<p>The emergence of modern physics and mechanical philosophy. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, how is a substance characterized?

<p>As something that is neither said of a subject nor in a subject. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the essence of Descartes's view on the nature of substances?

<p>Substances are distinct and can exist separately from their properties. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the identity of mental properties according to Lewis's approach?

<p>Mental properties are indeed physical properties based on specific roles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes metaphysical necessity from other types of necessity?

<p>It involves theoretical identifications and is stronger than nomological necessity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the discovery of identities described in the context of metaphysical necessity?

<p>It is considered an empirical discovery. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do theoretical terms play in understanding identity according to the discussed perspective?

<p>They are introduced to track properties expected to fulfill specific roles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which example is provided as a paradigm of metaphysical necessity?

<p>The identification of gold with the element of atomic number 79. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What implication does metaphysical necessity have for the mind-body problem?

<p>It creates stronger identities between mental and physical phenomena. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for descriptions of mental states to be topic neutral?

<p>They are shaped by the structure of our folk theory of psychology. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation does metaphysical necessity have compared to conceptual necessity?

<p>It is weaker than conceptual necessity but stronger than nomological necessity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Mind-body problem

A philosophical issue concerning the relationship between mental states and physical processes.

Consciousness

The state of being aware of and able to think about one's own existence and experiences.

Marks of the Mental

Characteristics that differentiate mental phenomena, primarily identified as consciousness.

Individuation of states

The process of distinguishing different mental states based on their properties.

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G.E. Moore's perspective

Described consciousness as elusive and difficult to define when closely examined.

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Contentious nature of consciousness

Difficulties in making substantive statements about consciousness due to differing interpretations.

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William James on consciousness

Emphasized consciousness as the first concrete fact of inner experience.

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Inconsistency in propositions

The idea that four separate propositions about mind and body clash when considered together.

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Substance Dualism

The view that both material and mental substances exist.

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Material Substances

Substances that have only physical properties, no mental properties.

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Mental Substances

Substances that have only mental properties, no physical properties.

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Descartes

A prominent defender of dualism and the mechanical philosophy.

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Mechanical Philosophy

The view that the natural world can be explained as a mechanical system.

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Substance

An independent existent that can undergo change and persist.

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Irreducible Mental Properties

Mental qualities that cannot be explained solely through physical processes.

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Scholasticism

The medieval philosophical tradition recovering Aristotle's works.

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Strict Identity

The relation that holds between an object and itself, necessary and non-contingent.

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Psychophysical Identity Theories

Theories asserting mental properties are physical properties based on their roles.

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Contingency

A condition that could possibly not be true; not necessary.

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Empirical Discovery

A finding based on observation or experimentation, rather than a priori reasoning.

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Metaphysical Necessity

A type of necessity stronger than natural laws, specific to identified natural kinds.

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Nomological Necessity

The necessity derived from natural laws, weaker than metaphysical necessity.

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Conceptual Necessity

A necessity known a priori, grounded in concepts rather than empirical observation.

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Mental-Physical Connections

The theoretical links between mental states and physical phenomena, claimed to be metaphysically necessary.

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Conceptual Understanding

The grasp of what a term or idea expresses based on descriptive properties.

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Theoretical Terms

Terms in theories that represent properties or phenomena in empirical investigation.

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Empirical Investigation

A systematic process for discovering properties through observation and experimentation.

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Concept vs. Property

The distinction between what a term expresses (concept) and what it refers to (property).

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A Priori Knowledge

Knowledge that is known independently of experience, typically through reason alone.

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Natural Kind Terms

Terms that refer to categories of objects or substances based on shared characteristics.

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Tracking Properties

Using specific features of objects to apply corresponding terms accurately.

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Externalism

The view that the meanings of thoughts depend on external contexts or environments.

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Relational Properties

Characteristics that depend on a relationship with external entities or conditions.

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Causal Relevance

The importance of one factor influencing another's behavior or properties.

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Screened Off

When certain factors do not impact a behavior due to other overriding factors.

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Non-inferential Knowability

The ability to know something directly without needing further information.

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Cartesian Conception of Mind

The idea of mental states being inherently known by their possessor, not others.

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Reductionism

The approach that explains complex phenomena in simpler terms, often downplaying the uniqueness of mental states.

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Hybrid view

A perspective that combines elements of functionalism and externalism in understanding thought content.

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Functionalism

The theory suggesting that mental states are defined by their functional roles rather than by their internal constituents.

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Wide states

Mental states that are individuated based on external relations and factors.

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Narrow states

Mental states that are defined by internal conditions, independent of external factors.

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Physical externalism

A view that links thought contents to relations with the physical environment.

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Social externalism

The idea that thought contents are influenced by the linguistic community's usage of language.

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Study Notes

Chapter 1: The Mind-Body Problem: An Overview

  • The mind-body problem is a core question in science and philosophy seeking to understand the relationship between mental and physical phenomena.
  • There's no consensus on the correct answer.
  • The problem is that any proposed solution has seemingly unacceptable consequences.

1.1 Introduction

  • Understanding the place of thoughts and feelings in the natural world is central to comprehending nature and self-understanding.
  • This problem has been examined since the ancient world.
  • The chapter aims to explain the nature of the mind-body problem, potential solutions, and obstacles to resolution.
  • The discussion is divided into two phases.

1.2 Marks of the Mental

  • Consciousness and intentionality are key characteristics of the mental.
  • Consciousness is the most salient feature of mental life.
  • Intentionality is the directedness of a mental state towards an object or state of affairs. This is important because beliefs and desires have aboutness or directedness.
  • Beliefs and desires are fundamental intentional states.
  • Not all mental states are conscious.
  • Not all mental states have mind-to-world direction of fit.

1.3 The Physical

  • Defining the "physical" is not straightforward, as physical theory constantly evolves.
  • Potential options for defining the physical are what ultimately correct physical theory describes or treating physical phenomena as by definition non-mental.
  • A third alternative is to characterize physical phenomena as properties exemplified by current physical theories.

1.4 Mind-Body Relations

  • Analyzing relations between mental and physical properties, concepts, concepts, or predicates.
  • A property, a feature of an object. A concept is a common element of different thought contents.
  • Three sentence forms can be used to represent different relationships between mental and physical properties:
    • (A) For all x, if x is P, then x is M
    • (B) For all x, if x is M, then x is P
    • (C) For all x, x is M if and only if x is P

1.5 The Mind-Body Problem

  • The problem is a set of individually plausible but jointly inconsistent propositions.
  • Four key theses generating the problem are:
      1. Realism: Some things have mental properties.
      1. Conceptual Autonomy: Mental properties are not conceptually reducible to non-mental properties.
      1. Constituent Explanatory Sufficiency: A complete description of a thing in terms of its basic constituents entails full description..
      1. Constituent Non-Mentalism: The basic constituents of things do not have mental properties.

1.6 The Logical Space of Solutions

  • Possible solutions to the mind-body problem focus on rejecting one of the four aforementioned theses.
  • Major categories of solutions are: ontological anti-reductionism, conceptual anti-reductionism, conceptual reductionism, and irrealism (eliminative materialism).

1.6.1 Ontological Anti-Reductionism

  • The most prominent view is substance dualism, which posits that there are both mental and physical substances.

1.6.2 Conceptual Anti-Reductionism

  • Emergentism: mental properties emerge from complex physical systems.

1.6.3 Conceptual Reductionism

  • The identity theory: mental states are identical to physical states.

1.6.4 Irrealism (Eliminative Materialism)

  • Mental concepts are false or empty, and the concepts of folk psychology should be replaced by scientific ones.

1.7 Conclusion

  • The mind-body problem remains a significant challenge.
  • Different approaches have distinct advantages and drawbacks.
  • This exploration highlights the complexity and enduring nature of the problem.

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