What is the causal closure of the physical?

The causal closure of the physical refers to the idea that all physical events and processes are causally determined by other physical events and processes. It suggests that there are no non-physical causes or influences on the physical world. According to this view, everything that happens in the physical world can be explained solely in terms of physical causes and effects, without the need to invoke any non-physical entities or forces.

This concept is often discussed in the context of the mind-body problem, which explores the relationship between the mind (non-physical) and the body (physical). Some philosophers argue that if the physical world is causally closed, then there is no room for mental events or consciousness to have any causal impact on the physical world. This perspective is known as physicalism or materialism, which posits that all mental phenomena can ultimately be reduced to physical processes.

However, others challenge the idea of the causal closure of the physical, suggesting that mental events and consciousness may have a causal influence on the physical world. This viewpoint is often associated with dualism, which proposes that the mind and body are distinct entities that interact with each other.

In summary, the causal closure of the physical asserts that all physical events and processes are causally determined by other physical events and processes, without any non-physical causes or influences. However, this concept is subject to debate and criticism, particularly in relation to the mind-body problem.