Morch Flashcards
What is the Hard Problem of Consciousness?
Philosophy: Phenomenal Realism / Consciousness Studies
Problem: Why and how do physical processes in the brain give rise to qualia—the subjective, first-person experience (e.g., seeing red)?
Key Figure: David Chalmers
What is the Hard Problem of Matter?
Inspired by: Kant and Bertrand Russell
Claim: Physics describes what matter does (its structure, relations), but not what matter is.
Implication: The intrinsic nature of matter is unknown, and this opens the door to the idea that consciousness could be part of that intrinsic nature.
What is Russellian Monism?
Claim: Combines physicalism and consciousness realism.
Physical science describes relational structure (behavior of matter).
Phenomenal properties are the intrinsic properties of matter.
Metaphor: Brain = software, Mind = hardware.
Key Figures: Russell, Nagel, Mørch
Mørch’s Knowledge Argument Analogy
Type Example
Relational Fact “Water = H2O”
Phenomenal Fact “Seeing red is like this”
Claim: Knowing all the relational facts (e.g., about brain activity) doesn’t tell you what experiencing red is like.
Why Functionalism Falls Short
Functionalism: Mind = software; brain = hardware
Objection: Explains the function of consciousness (how it works) but not its qualitative feel.
Mørch’s View: Functionalism describes relations, but not intrinsic properties.
. Does Russellian Monism Lead to Panpsychism?
Panpsychism: The view that all matter has some form of consciousness.
Objection: Seems counterintuitive (rocks are conscious?).
Reply: Consciousness may be a primitive feature of the universe, like mass or charge—present in degrees.
What Is the Combination Problem?
Challenge: If small particles are conscious, how do their experiences combine to form a unified mind (like yours or mine)?
This is the major unresolved issue in panpsychist and Russellian monist theories.
Philosophical Implication
Mørch’s Thesis: The only route to solving the hard problem of consciousness is to take phenomenal properties as part of the fundamental fabric of reality—the intrinsic nature of matter itself.
