How Matter Becomes Conscious: A Naturalistic Theory of the MindThis innovative book proposes a unique and original perspective on the nature of the mind and how phenomenal consciousness may arise in a physical world. From simple sentient organisms to complex self-reflective systems, Faye argues for a naturalistic-evolutionary approach to philosophy of mind and consciousness. Drawing on substantial literature in evolutionary biology and cognitive science, this book offers a promising alternative to the major theories of the mind-body problem: the quality of our experiences should not, as some philosophers have claimed, be associated with subjectivity that is not open for scientific explanation, nor should it be associated with intrinsic properties of the brain. Instead, Faye argues that mental properties are extrinsic properties of the brain caused by the organism’s interaction with its environment. Taking on the explanatory gap, and rejecting the ontological pluralism of present naturalist theories of the mind, Faye thus proposes a unified view of reality in which it is possible to explain qualitative mental presentations as part of the physical world. |
Contents
1 | |
2 Our Animal Mind | 29 |
3 Subjectivity in a Biological Perspective | 69 |
4 A Difference That Makes No Difference | 107 |
5 Why Identity Is Not Enough | 145 |
6 Functionalism Mechanisms and Levels of Reality | 183 |
7 The Environment Is What Matters | 225 |
8 Understanding Consciousness | 259 |
Epilogue | 305 |
313 | |
324 | |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
ability able according activity actual adaptation animals appears approach argue argument associated assume atoms attitude aware basis behavior believe biological brain called capacity causal cause Chalmers characterized claim cognitive color complex conceptual consciousness considered consists constituted depends describe determined disposition distinction emergence empirical entities environment exist experience explain external extrinsic properties fact feeling functional give given holds human identify identity imagine individual instance intentions interaction internal intrinsic kind knowledge levels light manifestation matter means mechanisms mental metaphysical mind natural naturalist neurons object observer ontological organism pain particular perception perspective phenomenal philosophers physical physicalist possible present problem processes qualities question realized reason reduced refer reflect relation representation respect result scientific seems selection sensations sense sensory specific stimuli structural subjective supervene theory things thinking thought tion true understanding various visual