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3 ideas
2613 | The theory of other minds has no rival [Ayer] |
Full Idea: The theory that other people besides oneself have mental states is one that has no serious rival. | |
From: A.J. Ayer (The Central Questions of Philosophy [1973], §VI.E) | |
A reaction: See 3463, where Searle says there is no such thing as our "theory" about other minds. In a science fiction situation (see 'Blade Runner'), this unrivalled theory could quickly unravel. It could even be a fact that you are the only humanoid with a mind. |
5328 | Originally I combined a mentalistic view of introspection with a behaviouristic view of other minds [Ayer] |
Full Idea: In 1936 I combined a mentalistic analysis of the propositions in which one attributes experiences to oneself with a behaviouristic analysis of the propositions in which one attributes experiences to others. | |
From: A.J. Ayer (The Central Questions of Philosophy [1973], §VI.D) | |
A reaction: He then criticises his view for inconsistency. Ryle preferred a behaviouristic account of introspection, but Ayer calls this 'ridiculous'. Ayer hunts for a compromise, but then settles for the right answer, which makes mentalism the 'best explanation'. |
5330 | Physicalism undercuts the other mind problem, by equating experience with 'public' brain events [Ayer] |
Full Idea: The acceptance of physicalism undercuts the other minds problem by equating experiences with events in the brain, which are publicly observable. | |
From: A.J. Ayer (The Central Questions of Philosophy [1973], §VI.E) | |
A reaction: It strikes me that if we could actually observe the operations of one another's brains, a great many of the problems of philosophy would never have appeared in the first place. Imagine a transparent skull and brain, with coloured waves moving through it. |