Single Idea 3224

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 5. Qualia / b. Qualia and intentionality]

Full Idea

If qualia are non-functionally defined objects, then their attachment to their role in my thought would seem to be metaphysically accidental.

Gist of Idea

If qualia have no function, their attachment to thoughts is accidental

Source

Georges Rey (Contemporary Philosophy of Mind [1997], 11.4.2)

Book Reference

Rey,Georges: 'Contemporary Philosophy of Mind' [Blackwell 1997], p.300


A Reaction

A rock at sea can cause a shipwreck without being defined as 'a shipwrecker'. It is, of course, tautological that if qualia have a 'role' in my thoughts, they must have causal powers, but 'function' is a much trickier concept.