Active learning ideas
Mind-Brain Type Identity Theory is a form of reductive physicalism. It argues that mental states are not just *related* to brain states; they *are* brain states. For example, 'pain' is identical to 'c-fibres firing'. This is an ontological claim about what the mind actually is, moving beyond the linguistic focus of behaviourism.
Activity 01
Students are given pairs like 'Water and H2O' or 'Lightning and Electrical Discharge'. They must explain why these are 'synthetic identities' and then apply that logic to 'Pain and C-fibres firing'.
Are mental states identical to specific neurophysiological states?
Activity 02
Students imagine a Martian who feels pain but has a completely different biology (no c-fibres). They discuss with a partner whether this proves that 'pain' cannot be identical to one specific brain state.
How does the multiple realisability of mental states challenge identity theory?
Activity 03
Stations display images of brain scans alongside descriptions of emotions. Students must write on a shared board why a physicalist thinks they are the same and why a dualist thinks something is 'missing' from the scan.
Can physicalism account for the subjective nature of experience?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Identity theory says 'pain' means the same thing as 'c-fibres firing'.
It's a synthetic identity, like 'water is H2O'. The words have different meanings, but they refer to the same thing in reality. Using 'Morning Star/Evening Star' examples helps clarify this linguistic nuance.
If identity theory is true, we don't have feelings.
We still have feelings; they are just physical events. Peer-led 'Physicalist Defense' sessions help students see that reduction isn't the same as elimination.
Methods used in this brief
Philosophical Behaviourism
Students analyse hard and soft behaviourism, focusing on Hempel and Ryle. They will evaluate whether mental states can be entirely reduced to behavioural dispositions.
8 methodologies
Eliminative Materialism
Students explore Churchland's argument that folk psychology is a false theory and that mental states do not exist. They will evaluate the counter-intuitive nature of this stance.
8 methodologies
Functionalism
A study of functionalism as an alternative to identity theory and behaviourism. Students will examine how mental states are defined by their functional roles and evaluate the 'inverted spectrum' objection.
8 methodologies