Single Idea 7063

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / A. Mind-Body Dualism / 7. Zombies]

Full Idea

The possibility of zombies is founded on the idea that consciousness is related contingently to physical states and processes.

Clarification

'Contingent' means 'doesn't have to occur'

Gist of Idea

Zombies are based on the idea that consciousness relates contingently to the physical

Source

John Heil (From an Ontological Point of View [2003], 20.3)

Book Reference

Heil,John: 'From an Ontological Point of View' [OUP 2005], p.243


A Reaction

The question is, how do you decide whether the relationship is contingent or necessary? Hence the interest in whether conceivability entails possibility. Kripke attacks the idea of contingent identity, pointing towards necessity, and away from zombies.