Formal arguments

Question 1

What is Chalmers’ formal philosophical zombies argument against physicalism?

Answer 1

P1: Physicalism claims that consciousness is ultimately physical in nature.
C1: So, if Physicalism is true, then any possible world which is physically identical to ours must contain consciousness.
C2: This means a philosophical zombies world would be impossible.
P3: However, we can conceive of a world that is physically identical to ours but contains consciousness.
C3: Therefore, a philosophical zombie world must be possible after all.
C4: Therefore physicalism is false.

Question 2

What is Chalmers’ formal Mary’s Room argument?

Answer 2

P1: Mary knows everything there is to know about the processes of colour vision.
P2: But, she experiences something new when she sees colour herself.
C1: Therefore, there is more to know about colour vision than what is given as a complete physical account.
C2: Therefore, Physicalism is false.