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Single Idea 6380

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

Full Idea

Identity theories locate consciousness at a certain order of abstraction, typically among neurophysiological states, events, processes, or properties.

Gist of Idea

Identity theory says consciousness is an abstraction: a state, event, process or property

Source

Thomas W. Polger (Natural Minds [2004], Ch.7.6)

Book Ref

Polger,Thomas W.: 'Natural Minds' [MIT 2004], p.240


A Reaction

I increasingly think that processes are the answer. My new analogy for the mind is a waterfall: its physical ontology is simple, it only exists because there is a sustained process, and it is far too complex to predict individual droplet outcomes.


The 6 ideas from 'Natural Minds'

Teleological functions explain why a trait exists; causal-role functions say what it does [Polger]
A mummified heart has the teleological function of circulating blood [Polger]
The mind and the self are one, and the mind-self is a biological phenomenon [Polger]
The taste of chocolate is a 'finer-grained' sensation than the taste of sweetness [Polger]
Teleological notions of function say what a thing is supposed to do [Polger]
Identity theory says consciousness is an abstraction: a state, event, process or property [Polger]