Single Idea 2468

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / E. Mind as Physical / 1. Physical Mind]

Full Idea

"Type" physicalism is supposed, by general consensus, to be stronger than "token" physicalism; stronger, that is, than the mere claim that all mental states are necessarily physically instantiated.

Clarification

'Type physicalism' says a given thought always has the same physical basis, not just some physical basis.

Gist of Idea

Type physicalism is a stronger claim than token physicalism

Source

Jerry A. Fodor (In a Critical Condition [2000], Ch. 2)

Book Reference

Fodor,Jerry A.: 'In Critical Condition' [MIT 2000], p.16


A Reaction

Such philosopher's terminology always seems cut-and-dried, until you ask exactly what is identical to what. The word 'type' is a very broad concept. Are trees the same type of thing as roses? A thought always requires the same 'type' of brain event?