Single Idea 20970

[catalogued under 26. Natural Theory / D. Laws of Nature / 10. Closure of Physics]

Full Idea

We can accept determinism without accepting physical determinism, and so without accepting the completeness of physics. ...We can have a deterministic model in which sui generis mental forces play an essential role.

Clarification

'sui generis' means of their own type - not reducible

Gist of Idea

Determinism is possible without a complete physics, if mental forces play a role

Source

David Papineau (Thinking about Consciousness [2002], App 3)

Book Reference

Papineau,David: 'Thinking about Consciousness' [OUP 2004], p.240


A Reaction

Papineau cites (on p.241) the 18th century biologist Robert Whytt as an example of this view.