Combining Philosophers

Ideas for Phil Dowe, C.I. Lewis and Daniel C. Dennett

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2 ideas

18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 4. Folk Psychology
You couldn't drive a car without folk psychology [Dennett]
     Full Idea: Folk psychology is indispensable for driving a car, which would be terrifying if we didn't assume there were psychologically normal people behind the wheels.
     From: Daniel C. Dennett (works [1985]), quoted by Georges Rey - Contemporary Philosophy of Mind p.133 n35
     A reaction: Nice example. If someone is approaching you from the front on your side of the road, should you assume that they are 'psychologically normal'? Does psychology imply behaviour, or vice versa?
Like the 'centre of gravity', desires and beliefs are abstract concepts with no actual existence [Dennett]
     Full Idea: Like such abstracta as centres of gravity and parallelograms of force, the beliefs and desires posited by the highest intentional stance have no independent and concrete existence.
     From: Daniel C. Dennett (Daniel Dennett on himself [1994], p.239)
     A reaction: I don't see why we shouldn't one day have a physical account of the distinctive brain events involved in a belief or a desire