Single Idea 4991

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / B. Behaviourism / 1. Behaviourism]

Full Idea

For many kinds of mental states, notably intentional ones such as beliefs and desires, behaviourism is appealing, ..but for sensations and experiences such as pain, it seems grossly implausible.

Gist of Idea

Behaviourism seems a good theory for intentional states, but bad for phenomenal ones

Source

Robert Kirk (Mind and Body [2003], §5.1)

Book Reference

Kirk,Robert: 'Mind and Body' [Acumen 2003], p.100


A Reaction

The theory does indeed make a bit more sense for intentional states, but it still strikes me as nonsense that there is no more to my belief that 'Whales live in the Atlantic' than a disposition to say something. WHY do I say this something?