Full Idea
The identity theory is preferable to dualism since 1) if mental events are neurological, it is easy to explain causal relations between them, and 2) if we can account for mental phenomena by reference to brains and their properties, we don't need minds.
Gist of Idea
The appeal of the identity theory is its simplicity, and its solution to the mental causation problem
Source
John Heil (Philosophy of Mind [1998], Ch.3)
Book Reference
Heil,John: 'Philosophy of Mind' [Routledge 1998], p.72
A Reaction
One might add that it fits into the overall scientific world, and permits the possible closure of physics. The challenge is that identity theory must 'save the phenomena'.