Philosophy Identity Theory Questions Long
Identity theory, also known as mind-brain identity theory or central-state theory, is a philosophical position that seeks to explain the relationship between mental states and physical states. One important aspect of identity theory is the concept of mental causation, which refers to the idea that mental states can cause physical events or actions.
In identity theory, mental states are identified with specific brain states. According to this view, mental states, such as thoughts, beliefs, desires, and emotions, are not separate entities from physical states but rather identical to certain brain states or processes. This means that mental states are reducible to physical states, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between them.
The concept of mental causation in identity theory is based on the assumption that mental states are causally efficacious. This means that mental states can have causal powers and can bring about changes in the physical world. For example, a belief that it is raining outside can cause a person to grab an umbrella and go outside. In this case, the mental state of belief causally influences the physical action of grabbing an umbrella.
However, the concept of mental causation in identity theory has faced several challenges and criticisms. One of the main challenges is the problem of causal exclusion. Critics argue that if mental states are identical to physical states, then it seems that only physical states can be causally efficacious. This raises the question of how mental states can have any causal powers if they are reducible to physical states.
To address this challenge, some identity theorists propose a non-reductive or supervenient version of identity theory. According to this view, mental states are not identical to physical states but rather supervene on them. This means that mental states depend on physical states but are not reducible to them. In this framework, mental causation can be understood as a higher-level causation that is grounded in the underlying physical processes.
Another criticism of mental causation in identity theory comes from the problem of mental over-determination. This problem arises when multiple mental states are thought to cause the same physical event. For example, if both the belief that it is raining and the desire to stay dry cause a person to grab an umbrella, it seems that the physical action is over-determined by these mental states.
In response to this criticism, some identity theorists argue that mental causation should be understood as a type of causal overdetermination, where multiple causes contribute to the same effect. They suggest that mental states can have a causal role alongside physical states without undermining the causal efficacy of either.
In conclusion, the concept of mental causation in identity theory is a central aspect of understanding the relationship between mental and physical states. While there are challenges and criticisms, identity theorists propose different approaches, such as non-reductive or supervenient versions, to address these issues. Overall, the concept of mental causation in identity theory provides a framework for explaining how mental states can have causal powers and influence physical events or actions.