Zombies

Question 1

What are zombies?

Answer 1

Imaginary creatures. Exactly like us in all physical and behavioural respects, but lack conscious experience.

If true, functionalist and behaviouralist analyses of mind mistaken.

Question 2

What is the conceivability argument for zombies?

Answer 2

P1: zombies are conceivable.
P2: whatever is conceivable is possible.
C: zombies are possible.

Question 3

Are zombies conceivable?

Answer 3

Yes: swap neurones in zombie’s brain for homunculi.

No: verificationism

No: can really imagine. Cf. magnets and zagnets.

Question 4

Does conceivability entail possibility?

Answer 4

No: conceivability=epistemic; possibility=metaphysical. Cf. water not being H2O - not conceivable.
Rep: we’re imagining watery-stuff.

No: nature of concepts. (Marcus Tullius Cicero) Cicero and Tully different. Conceivable not possible.
Rep: not genuine concepts.

Question 5

What are the implications of zombie argument?

Answer 5

1. Inverts mental causation. Qualia don’t have physical effects.
2. Why did creatures with quails survive/evolve? (Phil of biology.)