Single Idea 4900

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

Full Idea

Advocates of the mind-body identity theory typically claimed that identity between particular mental states and brain states was contingent, until Kripke argued persuasively that identity is always necessary.

Gist of Idea

Prior to Kripke, the mind-brain identity theory usually claimed that the identity was contingent

Source

John Perry (Knowledge, Possibility and Consciousness [2001], §8.1)

Book Reference

Perry,John: 'Knowledge, Possibility and Consciousness' [MIT 2001], p.171


A Reaction

Kripke wanted to argue against the identity theory, but what he seems to have done is reformulate it into a much more powerful version (involving necessary identity).