The primary aim of this study is to dissolve the mind-body problem. It shows how the 'problem' separates into two distinct sets of issues, concerning ontology on the one hand, and explanation on the other, and argues that explanation - whether or not human behaviour can be explained in physical terms - is the more crucial. The author contends that a functionalist methodology in psychology and neurophysiology will prove adequate to explain human behaviour. Defence of this thesis requires: an examination of the mental ...
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The primary aim of this study is to dissolve the mind-body problem. It shows how the 'problem' separates into two distinct sets of issues, concerning ontology on the one hand, and explanation on the other, and argues that explanation - whether or not human behaviour can be explained in physical terms - is the more crucial. The author contends that a functionalist methodology in psychology and neurophysiology will prove adequate to explain human behaviour. Defence of this thesis requires: an examination of the mental/physical dichotomy, and its rejection in favour of a distinction between psychological and physical terms; a description and discussion of functionalism in psychology and neurophysiology, showing how the notorious problem of the necessary intensionality of psychological terms may be circumvented; an examination of the role of computer simulation in psycho-physical research; and an explanation of how the phenomena of sentience fit the functional framework. The book concludes that the thesis presented is in all essentials that of Aristotle; Aristotle had no 'mind-body problem', and were it not for a subsequent over-obsession with Cartesian scepticism, we need not have had one either.
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Add this copy of Physicalism to cart. $19.20, like new condition, Sold by Marlowes Books rated 2.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Ferny Hills, Brisbane, QLD, AUSTRALIA, published 1978 by Routledge And Kegan Paul.
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Seller's Description:
Fine in Fine jacket. 142 pages. Book and Jacket appear to have hardly been read and are both in Fine condition throughout. The Primary Of This Study Is To Dissolve The Mind-body Problems.
Add this copy of Physicalism [Studies in Philosophical Psychology] to cart. $22.00, very good condition, Sold by Windows Booksellers rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Eugene, OR, UNITED STATES, published 1978 by Routledge & Kegan Paul.
Add this copy of Physicalism to cart. $24.20, very good condition, Sold by West with the Night rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Tucson, AZ, UNITED STATES, published 1978 by Routledge and Kegan Paul [etc. ].
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Very good in very good dust jacket. first printing, light shelfwear to the dustjacket, previous owner name on first blank page. ix, 142p.; 20 cm. Bibliography: p.138. -Includes index.
This is the second book by Ms Wilkes that I have read and she is incapable of disappointing. A clear and concise prose is her virtue coupled with an excellent philosophical insight. In this work she argues for a physicalist explanation of the mind explaining clearly why dualist or mentalist concepts do not hold up to careful scrutiny. While I personally retain sympathy for the dualist position I admire the force and clarity of her position, the skill with which she weaves philosophical argument. I would also recommend her book "Real People" where she takes a stand against the more outlandish thought experiments on the subject of Self. Both books are enjoyable and stimulating reads.