Single Idea 2568

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / B. Behaviourism / 4. Behaviourism Critique]

Full Idea

Is there any behaviour characteristic of a given belief?

Gist of Idea

Beliefs aren't tied to particular behaviours

Source

Peter Geach (Mental Acts: their content and their objects [1957], §4)

Book Reference

Geach,Peter: 'Mental Acts: Their content and their objects' [RKP 1971], p.8


A Reaction

Well, yes. Belief that a dog is about to bite you. Belief that this nice food is yours, and you are hungry. But he has a good point. He is pointing out that the mental state is a very different thing from the 'disposition' to behave in a certain way.