Mind and Body: Non-Reductive Materialism: Anomalous Monism

Question 1

what is a Anomalous Monism?

Answer 1

a version of token identity theory proposed by donald davidson
monism: one substance
anomalous: irregular
although token mental events and states are identical to token physical events and processes, mental is not educable to the physical. instead they influence each other

Question 2

problem with fp

Answer 2

fP explanations are too lose and weak to occur in a law like statement connecting cause and effect-
the reason people give for their action can be taken as the cause.
Example: George and his powerpoint
(token belief that… and his token desire that…) can be taken as the cause for his actions

Question 3

continued problems with fp

Answer 3

rationalisation can only happen if it falls under a law-like generalisation describing the relationship between the reason and action.
cannot be sharped into a kind of law where predictions can be made
different reaonss for george to produce a powerpoint.

Question 4

the inconsistent triad

Answer 4

1.) principle of casual interaction-mental and physical interact casually
2.)principle of nomological character of causalaity: everything is under written by a casual law
3.)anomalism of the menals not strict laws enabling the prediction of mental events
1 and 2 clash with 3
2 and 3 clash with 1
1 and 3 clash with 2

Question 5

how does davidson solve the problem

Answer 5

-only 1 event occurs and language can describe it as physical or mental
-casation is a relationship between 2 events causation leads to a knock on effect
-causal laws relate 2 events under certain descriptions
epiphenomenalism mind causally inhertis the mind is the byproduct of the brain

Question 6

objections

Answer 6

need a greater connection