MoM - Eliminative Materialism

Question 1

What is eliminative materialism (EM) in a nutshell?

Answer 1

Talk of mental states is fundamentally flawed and should be eliminated, then replaced by talk of brain states; we are yet to experience a revolution in scientific thinking that will change how we view the mind

Question 2

What is folk psychology?

Answer 2

The belief that we can predict behaviour according to traditional values, such as feelings, desires, beliefs, etc.

Question 3

What does Churchland argue about empirical theories and folk psychology?

Answer 3

Churchland argues that since FP is an empirical theory, it should be discarded if it is proven false by a better theory (such as neuroscience)

Question 4

How does Churchland argue that folk psychology is not a scientific theory?

Answer 4

• It is not always accurate
• It cannot explain all aspects of mental life (e.g. dreaming, mental illness)
• Not changed or improved as a theory for thousands of years
• Intentional states

Question 5

What are 3 criticisms of EM?

Answer 5

1. Folk psych has good predictive and explanatory power
2. Intuitive certainty of my own mind should take priority
3. Self-refuting

Question 6

Outline the criticism that folk psych has good predictive and explanatory power

Answer 6

• Folk psych (FP) has helped neuroscience as it provided the basis for findings in psych and neuroscience, therefore expanding FP
• For example, unconscious belief and desire have extended FP’s predictive power
• To eliminate concepts of belief and desire would negatively affect scientific psych

Question 7

What is a possible response to the criticism that folk psych has good predictive and explanatory power?

Answer 7

Developments in FP are superficial, and the problem of intentionality remains - neuroscience does not face this issue