Single Idea 4891

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / A. Mind-Body Dualism / 6. Epiphenomenalism]

Full Idea

Epiphenomenalism is usually considered to be a form of dualism, but if we define it as the doctrine that conscious events are effects but not causes, it appears to be consistent with physicalism.

Gist of Idea

If epiphenomenalism just says mental events are effects but not causes, it is consistent with physicalism

Source

John Perry (Knowledge, Possibility and Consciousness [2001], §4.2)

Book Reference

Perry,John: 'Knowledge, Possibility and Consciousness' [MIT 2001], p.78


A Reaction

Interesting. The theory was invented to put mind outside physics, and make the closure of physics possible. However, being capable of causing things seems to be a necessary condition for physical objects. An effect in one domain is a cause in another.