What is the role of supervenience in mental properties according to Identity Theory?

Philosophy Identity Theory Questions



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What is the role of supervenience in mental properties according to Identity Theory?

According to Identity Theory, supervenience plays a crucial role in understanding mental properties. Supervenience refers to the idea that mental properties are dependent on and determined by physical properties. In other words, mental states and processes are said to supervene on physical states and processes. This means that any change in mental properties must be accompanied by a corresponding change in physical properties. Identity Theory argues that mental states, such as thoughts, emotions, and consciousness, are identical to specific brain states. Therefore, supervenience helps establish a direct correlation between mental and physical properties, suggesting that mental phenomena can be explained and understood in terms of underlying physical processes.