Knowledge Tree
Relations (1)
related 2.32 — strongly supporting 4 facts
Epiphenomenalism is related to physical states because it posits that mental phenomena are by-products of specific physical states [1] and examines how correlations between mental and physical states are established [2]. Furthermore, it explores the causal independence of mental states from physical states, suggesting that the relationship between the two does not influence natural selection [3].
Facts (4)
Sources
Non-physicalist Theories of Consciousness cambridge.org 4 facts
claimOverdetermination dualism is compatible with physical causal closure, similar to epiphenomenalism, but differs by allowing mental states to affect physical states.
claimEpiphenomenalism suggests that pain has no causal effects on behavior, implying that switching the correlations between pain/pleasure and physical states would not impact natural selection.
claimEpiphenomenalism faces a challenge regarding why phenomenal experiences, such as pain or the experience of seeing red, are by-products of specific physical states that cause corresponding behaviors, such as avoidance or verbal reports, rather than arbitrary behaviors.
perspectiveEpiphenomenalists argue that non-epiphenomenalist theories, such as physicalism and interactionism, face the same improbability issues as epiphenomenalism because they must posit specific two-way psychophysical laws or identity relations to explain correlations between physical and mental states.