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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.
6378 | Teleological functions explain why a trait exists; causal-role functions say what it does [Polger] |
6379 | A mummified heart has the teleological function of circulating blood [Polger] |
6381 | The mind and the self are one, and the mind-self is a biological phenomenon [Polger] |
6375 | The taste of chocolate is a 'finer-grained' sensation than the taste of sweetness [Polger] |
6377 | Teleological notions of function say what a thing is supposed to do [Polger] |
6380 | Identity theory says consciousness is an abstraction: a state, event, process or property [Polger] |