Philosophy Of Mind - Essay Plans

Question 1

Assess the claim that mental states cannot be reduced

Answer 1

1. Dualism
2. Identity theory [multiple realisability]
3. Functionalism [jackson]
4. Biological naturalism

Question 2

Assess Eliminative materialism

Answer 2

1. Counter-intuitive
2. Folk psychology not hopeless
3. Folk psychology not a theory
4. Self-refuting

Question 3

Assess identity theory

Answer 3

1. Leibniz law (response - masked man fallacy)
2. Multiple realisability
3. Functionalism - response : Frank Jacks
4. Intentionality
5. Biological naturalism

Question 4

Are zombies possible?

Answer 4

1. Dualism - problem of other minds
   Response: behaviourism
2. Chalmers zombie argument
   Response: inconceivable
3. Functionalism - problem: Chinese room

Question 5

Assess the claim that the mind is physical/can be reduced to the brain

Answer 5

1. Dualist objection
2. Identity Theory
3. Functionalism
4. Biological naturalism