Nelson Goodman argues against those who, like Carnap, claim extensional identity is the criterion for correct constructional definition. Goodman argues that internal logical difficulties sink such a criterion, thus he proposes his own criterion of extensional isomorphism. We argue that Goodman's criterion itself falls prey to his own arguments or else extensional identity is not shown faulty.

Reflecting on the distinction between thinking about a non-occurrent pain and feeling a current pain takes us into the domain of contemporary philosophy of mind. In the former case we talk of the mental state’s intentional properties, in the latter of phenomenal properties. Daniel Dennett’s contributions to this discussion are clearly limned in his Content and Consciousness and it is no accident that its reappearance as a paperback is so quickly followed by his new collection, The Intentional Stance. The latter (...) work continues to develop themes begun in the former, especially his embedding philosophy of mind within an evolutionary framework. For those interested in contemporary philosophy of mind and Dennett’s exciting and controversial views, Content and Consciousness provides an excellent introduction and even some much needed “cash” for his latter views. In very broad strokes here is what he is up to. (shrink)