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Single Idea 17276

[from 'Guide to Ground' by Kit Fine, in 7. Existence / C. Structure of Existence / 1. Grounding / a. Nature of grounding ]

Full Idea

It will not do to say that the physical is causally determinative of the mental, since that leaves open the possibility that the mental has a distinct reality over and above that of the physical.

Gist of Idea

If you say one thing causes another, that leaves open that the 'other' has its own distinct reality

Source

Kit Fine (Guide to Ground [2012], 1.02)

Book Reference

'Metaphysical Grounding', ed/tr. Correia,F/Schnieder,B [CUP 2012], p.41


A Reaction

The context is a defence of grounding, so that if we say the mind is 'grounded' in the brain, we are saying rather more than merely that it is caused by the brain. A ghost might be 'caused' by a bar of soap. Nice.