more from Jerry A. Fodor

Single Idea 2985

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / D. Property Dualism / 3. Property Dualism]

Full Idea

Fodor holds that beliefs are brain states or processes, but picked out at a 'higher' or 'special science' level.

Gist of Idea

Are beliefs brains states, but picked out at a "higher level"?

Source

comment on Jerry A. Fodor (works [1986]) by William Lyons - Approaches to Intentionality p.82

Book Reference

Lyons,William: 'Approaches to Intentionality' [OUP 1998], p.82


A Reaction

I don't think you can argue with this. Levels of physical description exist (e.g. pure physics tells you nothing about the weather), and I think 'process' is the best word for the mind (Idea 4931).

Related Idea

Idea 4931 Consciousness is a process (of neural interactions), not a location, thing, property, connectivity, or activity [Edelman/Tononi]