more from John Searle

Single Idea 3500

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

Full Idea

The idea (of Dennett and others) is that recursive decomposition will eliminate the homunculi.

Gist of Idea

Can the homunculus fallacy be beaten by recursive decomposition?

Source

John Searle (The Rediscovery of the Mind [1992], Ch. 9.VI)

Book Reference

Searle,John R.: 'The Rediscovery of the Mind' [MIT 1999], p.213


A Reaction

Lycan is the best exponent of this view, which I like. My brain clearly has a substantial homunculus which I call my PA; it regularly reminds of what I have to do in an hour's time. I am sure it is composed of smaller brain components working as a team.