Single Idea 3474

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / E. Mind as Physical / 2. Reduction of Mind]

Full Idea

I hold a view of mind/brain relations that is a form of causal reduction (mental features are caused by biological processes), but does this imply ontological reduction? (…No!)

Gist of Idea

If mind is caused by brain, does this mean mind IS brain?

Source

John Searle (The Rediscovery of the Mind [1992], Ch. 5.II.5)

Book Reference

Searle,John R.: 'The Rediscovery of the Mind' [MIT 1999], p.115


A Reaction

What exactly is his claim? Presumably 'causal reduction' implies identity of (philosophical) substance. This seems to imply 'emergence' in a rather old-fashioned and dramatic way, though elsewhere Searle denies this.