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Identity theory
Also known as: Identity theories, identity theories
Facts (10)
Sources
Moving Forward on the Problem of Consciousness - David Chalmers consc.net 3 facts
perspectiveDavid Chalmers characterizes the 'magic bullet' version of identity theory as a theory that attempts to solve explanatory problems by drawing disparate phenomena together through identity, which he argues is an incorrect approach because identities must be earned through explanation.
perspectiveDavid Chalmers asserts that Valerie Hardcastle's defense of her identity theories contains philosophical errors.
claimDavid Chalmers asserts that asking 'Why are certain physical systems conscious?' or 'Why is there something it is like to engage in certain processes?' does not beg the question against identity theories.
Non-physicalist Theories of Consciousness cambridge.org Dec 20, 2023 3 facts
claimIdentity theorists identify consciousness with the physical hardware of the brain itself, contrasting with functionalists who view consciousness as software running on that hardware.
claimIdentity theory and functionalism are the two primary types of physicalism.
referenceIdentity theory posits that conscious states are constituted by specific physical states or processes, such as the feeling of pain being constituted by c-fibers firing, seeing red by neural activity in the visual cortex, or the feeling of love by neural activity involving serotonin and oxytocin.
Consciousness (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy/Fall 2025 ... plato.stanford.edu Jun 18, 2004 2 facts
claimIdentity theory, specifically psycho-physical type-type identity theory, identifies conscious mental properties, states, and processes with physical ones, typically of a neural or neurophysiological nature.
claimAccording to identity theory, if having a qualitative conscious experience of phenomenal red is identical to being in a brain state with specific neurophysiological properties, then experiential properties are considered a straightforwardly physical reality.
Dualism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy/Winter 2016 Edition) plato.stanford.edu Aug 19, 2003 1 fact
claimPhilosophical concepts related to the mind-body problem include behaviorism, consciousness, eliminative materialism, epiphenomenalism, functionalism, identity theory, intentionality, mental causation, neutral monism, and physicalism.
Quantum Approaches to Consciousness plato.stanford.edu Nov 30, 2004 1 fact
referenceIdentity theories, as advocated by Herbert Feigl (1967) and J.J.C. Smart (1963), conceive mental and material states as essentially identical 'central states' viewed from different perspectives.