What is the role of qualia in the mind-body problem?

Philosophy Mind Body Problem Questions



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What is the role of qualia in the mind-body problem?

Qualia play a crucial role in the mind-body problem as they refer to the subjective, conscious experiences that accompany mental states. The mind-body problem seeks to understand the relationship between the physical processes of the brain and the subjective experiences of the mind. Qualia highlight the challenge of explaining how physical processes can give rise to subjective experiences, leading to debates about the nature of consciousness and whether it can be reduced to purely physical phenomena. The presence of qualia raises questions about the possibility of a complete physical explanation for mental states, thus contributing to the ongoing philosophical inquiry into the mind-body problem.