Philosophy Identity Theory Questions
In Identity Theory, supervenient causation refers to the idea that mental states are causally dependent on physical states. According to this concept, mental events or states, such as thoughts or feelings, are not independent entities that can cause physical events, but rather they supervene or depend on underlying physical processes in the brain.
Supervenient causation suggests that changes in mental states are ultimately caused by changes in the corresponding physical states of the brain. This means that any alteration in the physical state of the brain will result in a corresponding change in the mental state. However, it is important to note that supervenient causation does not imply a one-to-one correspondence between specific mental and physical states, but rather a dependence of mental states on physical states in a broader sense.
Identity Theory posits that mental states are identical to certain types of brain states. This theory rejects the notion of dualism, which suggests that mental and physical states are separate and distinct entities. Instead, Identity Theory argues that mental states are nothing more than physical states of the brain, and therefore, mental events can be explained and understood in terms of physical processes.
Overall, supervenient causation in Identity Theory emphasizes the causal relationship between physical and mental states, suggesting that mental events are ultimately determined by underlying physical processes in the brain.