Knowledge Tree
Relations (1)
related 3.00 — strongly supporting 7 facts
Physicalism is fundamentally supported by the principle of physical causal closure, which serves as a primary argument for the theory [1], [2], and [3]. Furthermore, the principle is used to define the boundaries of physicalism in debates regarding mental causation and the refutation of competing theories [4], [5], [6], and [7].
Facts (7)
Sources
Non-physicalist Theories of Consciousness cambridge.org 7 facts
perspectiveEpiphenomenalists argue that their position is less unattractive than the alternatives, specifically claiming that physicalism is refuted by the epistemic gap and interactionism is refuted by physical causal closure.
claimThe dominance of physicalism in the philosophy of consciousness is based on three arguments: the argument from mind–brain correlations, the argument from physical causal closure, and the argument from previous explanatory successes of science.
perspectivePhysicalists are often motivated by the strength of arguments for physicalism, particularly the argument from physical causal closure, rather than just identifying specific errors in arguments against physicalism.
perspectiveEpiphenomenalists argue that the lack of elegance in their theory is a moot point if competing theories like physicalism and interactionism are already refuted by the epistemic gap and physical causal closure.
claimNon-physicalists are required to address arguments for physicalism, specifically the argument from physical causal closure, in addition to providing their own arguments against physicalism.
claimThere are four possible positions on mental causation: interactionism (which implies violation of physical causal closure), epiphenomenalism, overdetermination, and physicalism.
procedureThe argument for physicalism regarding mental causation consists of four premises: 1. Physical causal closure (every physical effect has a sufficient physical cause), 2. Non-epiphenomenalism (conscious states have physical effects), 3. Non-overdetermination (physical effects of conscious states do not have more than one sufficient cause), and 4. Physicalism (conscious states are physical).