Single Idea 3462

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 4. Folk Psychology]

Full Idea

We do not postulate beliefs and desires to account for anything; we simply experience conscious beliefs and desires.

Gist of Idea

We don't postulate folk psychology, we experience it

Source

John Searle (The Rediscovery of the Mind [1992], Ch. 2 App)

Book Reference

Searle,John R.: 'The Rediscovery of the Mind' [MIT 1999], p.59


A Reaction

Searle is too fond of reporting what we 'simply' know. Beliefs and desires are pushed forward by a cultural tradition. What I actually experience is a confusion, always laced with emotion.