epiphenominalism

Question 1

Achievements of EPI?

Answer 1

1. Causal closure (No psychophysical interaction)
2. Multiple realization (Mental properties realized by different physical properties)
3. Mental properties irreducible (Because they are no physical properties).

Question 2

Problems of EPI?

Answer 2

1. If MS are not causally efficacious then why they arose? thoughts don’t cause actions.
2. the possibility of the absence of the mental (Zombies) which also support part-time zombies which proves that EPI is absurd because maybe right now you are a zombie.

Question 3

Responses to the part-time zombie thought experience?

Answer 3

Mental states have to be causally efficacious:

1. Inter-dualists: mental states are causally efficacious.
2. Identity theory: MS are CE because they are identical to physical states.
3. Radical materialists: There are no MS.

Question 4

Why does evolution pose a problem for epiphenomenalism?

• Why does the possibility of Zombies pose a problem for epiphenomenalism?

Answer 4

because according to evolution every property arises to save a function and if consciousness is not causally efficacious then why it arose?

because it implies part-time zombies are possible and so EPI is absurd.