Single Idea 16055

[catalogued under 7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 6. Physicalism]

Full Idea

Any broadly materialistic metaphysical position needs to claim that physics is causally complete.

Gist of Idea

Materialism requires that physics be causally complete

Source

Terence Horgan (From Supervenience to Superdupervenience [1993], §6)

Book Reference

-: 'Mind' [-], p.19


A Reaction

Since 'physics' is a human creation, I presume he means that physical reality is causally complete. The interaction problem that faced Descartes seems crucial - how could something utterly non-physical effect a physical change?