Single Idea 2543

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / A. Mind-Body Dualism / 3. Panpsychism]

Full Idea

All matter must contain the potential to underlie consciousness, since there is nothing special about the matter that composes brain tissue.

Gist of Idea

Brains aren't made of anything special, suggesting panpsychism

Source

Colin McGinn (The Mysterious Flame [1999], p.100)

Book Reference

McGinn,Colin: 'The Mysterious Flame' [Basic Books 1999], p.100


A Reaction

This seems to me one of the most basic assumptions which we should all make about the mind. The mind is made of the brain, and the brain is made of food. However, there must be something 'special' about the brain.