The debate over physicalism in philosophy of mind can be seen as concerning an inconsistent tetrad of theses: (1) if physicalism is true, a priori physicalism is true; (2) a priori physicalism is false; (3) if physicalism is false, epiphenomenalism is true; (4) epiphenomenalism is false. This paper argues that one may resolve the debate by distinguishing two conceptions of the physical: on the theory‐based conception , it is plausible that (2) is true and (3) is false; on the object‐based conception , it is plausible that (3) is true and (2) is false. the paper also defends and explores the version of physicalism that results from this strategy.
CITATION STYLE
STOLJAR, D. (2001). Two Conceptions of the Physical. Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, 62(2), 253–281. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1933-1592.2001.tb00056.x
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