Single Idea 5167

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 4. Other Minds / c. Knowing other minds]

Full Idea

There are too many objections to the argument from analogy, so I am inclined to revert to a 'behaviouristic' interpretation of propositions about other people's experiences.

Gist of Idea

The argument from analogy fails, so the best account of other minds is behaviouristic

Source

A.J. Ayer (Introduction to 'Language Truth and Logic' [1946], p.26)

Book Reference

Ayer,A.J.: 'Language, Truth and Logic' [Penguin 1974], p.26


A Reaction

It seems odd to vote for behaviourism on one issue, if you aren't a general subscriber. It is one thing to say that behaviour is the best evidence for your explanation, quite another to equate the other mind with its behaviour.