Single Idea 4596

[catalogued under 17. Mind and Body / E. Mind as Physical / 5. Causal Argument]

Full Idea

The identity theory is preferable to dualism since 1) if mental events are neurological, it is easy to explain causal relations between them, and 2) if we can account for mental phenomena by reference to brains and their properties, we don't need minds.

Gist of Idea

The appeal of the identity theory is its simplicity, and its solution to the mental causation problem

Source

John Heil (Philosophy of Mind [1998], Ch.3)

Book Reference

Heil,John: 'Philosophy of Mind' [Routledge 1998], p.72


A Reaction

One might add that it fits into the overall scientific world, and permits the possible closure of physics. The challenge is that identity theory must 'save the phenomena'.