more from Daniel C. Dennett

Single Idea 7387

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / B. Features of Minds / 5. Qualia / c. Explaining qualia]

Full Idea

"Qualia" can be replaced by complex dispositional states of the brain.

Gist of Idea

"Qualia" can be replaced by complex dispositional brain states

Source

Daniel C. Dennett (Consciousness Explained [1991], 14.1)

Book Reference

Dennett,Daniel C.: 'Consciousness Explained' [Penguin 1993], p.431


A Reaction

'Dispositional' reveals Dennett's behaviourist roots (he was a pupil of Ryle). Fodor is right that physicalism cannot just hide behind the word "complexity". That said, the combination of complexity and speed might add up to physical 'qualia'.