Single Idea 2419

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 5. Qualia / a. Nature of qualia]

Full Idea

If parts of the brain are gradually replaced, perhaps by silicon chips, ...the most reasonable hypothesis is that qualia do not fade at all.

Gist of Idea

Why should qualia fade during silicon replacement?

Source

David J.Chalmers (The Conscious Mind [1996], 3.7.3)

Book Reference

Chalmers,David J.: 'The Conscious Mind' [OUP 1997], p.259


A Reaction

As it stands this could either assert dualism or functionalism. Personally I think the most reasonable hypothesis is that qualia would fade. Chalmers needs more imagination (or less?). What is it like to experience Alzheimer's Disease?