Eliminative Materialism
Consider the radical claim that our common-sense understanding of the mind ('folk psychology') is a deeply flawed theory and that mental states like beliefs and desires do not actually exist.
About This Topic
Consider the radical claim that our common-sense understanding of the mind ('folk psychology') is a deeply flawed theory and that mental states like beliefs and desires do not actually exist.
Key Questions
- Explain the Churchlands' argument that folk psychology is a stagnant and failing research programme.
- Analyse the criticism that eliminative materialism is self-refuting.
- Evaluate the prospects for neuroscience replacing our everyday psychological vocabulary.
Active Learning Ideas
See all activities→Activities & Teaching Strategies
See all activities
More in Metaphysics of Mind
The Mind-Body Problem and Substance Dualism
Introduce the central problem of how the mind relates to the body and examine Descartes' argument that the mind is a distinct, non-physical substance.
8 methodologies
Property Dualism
Explore the view that while there is only one kind of substance (physical), there are two distinct kinds of properties: physical and mental, for example, qualia.
8 methodologies
Physicalism: Philosophical Behaviourism
Investigate the first major physicalist theory of mind, which claims that all mental states can be analysed in terms of observable behaviours or dispositions to behave.
8 methodologies
Physicalism: Mind-Brain Identity Theory
Examine the theory that mental states are identical to physical states of the brain, exploring its arguments and the challenges it faces.
8 methodologies
Functionalism
Investigate the theory that mental states are defined not by their internal constitution, but by their causal roles in relation to sensory inputs, behavioural outputs, and other mental states.
8 methodologies