Monism vs. dualism.
Conscious vs. unconscious.
The "hard problem" and the "explanatory gap".
What is it like? Phenomenal consciousness. Qualia.
The zombie argument.
Functions of consciousness.
P = the conjunction of all microphysical truths about the universe.
Q = some phenomenal truth, e.g. that you are conscious.
(1) P & not-Q is conceivable.
(2) If P & not-Q is conceivable, P & not-Q is metaphysically possible.
(3) If P & not-Q is metaphysically, possible, materialism is false.
So (4), materialism is false.
Contrast: Patricia Churchland's Neurophilosophical Slant
1. What is the difference between conscious and unconscious thinking?
2. Is consciousness a legitimate topic for scientific discussion?
3. Is there really a hard problem of consciousness?
4. Could there be zombies?
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of thinking consciously
6. Is consciousness a biological accident, or an evolved function?
7. Are conscious states effects, causes, or both?
Computational Epistemology Laboratory.
This page updated Sept. 17, 2007