Multiple Realisability

Question 1

What is multiple realisability?

Answer 1

A single mental state can be realised by multiple physical kinds.
E.g., wide variety of terrestrial animals capable of experiencing pain (Putnam).

Question 2

Put ‘multiple realisability’ into premise-conclusion form.

Answer 2

P1: all mental kinds are multiple realisable by distinct physical kinds.
P2: if P1, then mental kinds cannot be identical to brain state/behaviour.
C: no mental kind is identical to any specific physical kind.

Question 3

Outline 2 arguments for multiple realisability.

Answer 3

1. Empirical - animals, A.I.

2. Conceptual - certainly conceivable.

Question 4

What is the structure-specific reply to MR?

Answer 4

Theories should be reduced by way of local structure-specific reductions.

Cf. temp in thermodynamics = molecular kinetic energy. Only in gases. Solids = maximum. Plasma = unknown. Temp. multiple realisable.

Rep: not local enough.
Obj: at certain time, t.
C. Rep: relativism?