lecture 3

Question 1

Identity theory

Answer 1

Mental states =brain states

Question 2

reductive materialism

Answer 2

All mental states can be explained in terms of physicalism.

Question 3

why should we accept identitiy theory? (J.J.C Smart)

Answer 3

Ontologically simpler than substance dualism. (Identity theory covers substance dualism and easier to explain)

Question 4

Identitiy theory vs Substance Dualism

Answer 4

1- There is no interaction problem because they are the same.

Question 5

Identitiy theory vs Property Dualism

Answer 5

1- There is no epiphenomenalism problem because they are one and the same.

Question 6

What is the other name for identitiy theory

Answer 6

psycho-neural reductionism

Question 7

Arguments in favor of identitiy theory?

Answer 7

1-Phineas Gage (Localism&Specialization)
2-Type token identitiy

Question 8

Localism&Specialization

Answer 8

Mental functions are performed by specific parts of the brain (one-to-one mapping)

Question 9

Modularity

Answer 9

Brain areas perform the respective function independently form one another. ( Müller-Lyer illuson lines, cognitive and perception dont affect each other)

Question 10

Type vs Token identitiy

Answer 10

Type: class (dog)
Token: specific (my dads dog)

Question 11

Type identitiy theory

Answer 11

Every mental state of a specific type is identical to a specific type of brain state. (A person’s pain identical to a brain activity and remains the same for everyone’s)

Question 12

Token identitiy theory

Answer 12

A particular instance of a mental state type is identical to a particular instance of a brain state type. (The certain type of pain i am feeling is identical to your pain but not to your brain state.)

Question 13

Multile realizability

Answer 13

Lower levels of physical arrangement underlying a higher-level phenomena ( H2O relizes water)

Question 14

How does multiple realizability challange type-Identity theory ?

Answer 14

1: Type identity theory is true
2: It can’t be true because same mental state can be realized by many brain states. ( me and you can have the same pain but realized by different brain states)
3- Octopus can also feel pain but realized by different mental state

Question 15

Neural plasticity

Answer 15

1-One can feel pain differently as a kid and as an adult. (changes can be seen as intra-individual.)

Question 16

Explanatory power

Answer 16

1- Challenges identity theory because doesn’t respond to the question of why is it the case that the same mental states that belong to different brain states are identical.

Question 17

Globalism

Answer 17

a specific cognitive function can be best identified with activity in a widely distributed brain network

Question 18

Connectivity

Answer 18

Replaces the idea of modularity ( different brain areas and functions are connected)

Question 19

Multifunctionality

Answer 19

The same brain area is involved in multiple cognitive functions.

Question 20

Many to Many mapping

Answer 20

1-The same brain area is involved in multiple tasks
2- the same task can be realized in different brain areas
3-Brain areas dynamically interact

Question 21

Objection to Many to Many mapping

Answer 21

Some brain functions are processed in a single specialized and almost modular system. (Fusiform face area)

Question 22

Correlation

Answer 22

In summer the likelihood of heat stroke as well as shark attacks increase.
(One doesn’t cause other they just have similar reasons)

Question 23

Causation

Answer 23

In increasing the intensity of a heat stimuli, the experimenters could increase pain experience for the participants.

( the relation between two distinct stimuli.)

Question 24

What’s the objection fro many to many maping?

Answer 24

Fusiform area: only specialized on one function.

• Just the example of fusiform area is not enough to prove that localisatin is a valid theory.

Question 25

what are not features of identitiy theory?

Answer 25

1- Correlation ( they are the same they don't have a correlation 2- Causation 3-Realization

Question 26

What is found in the light of research ?

Answer 26

1-Mental states correlate with brain states perhaps due to a common cause 2-Mental states cause brain states vice versa. 3- Mental states can be realized by varying brain states ( compatible with property dualism) - Doesn't align with the foundations of identitiy theory.

Question 27

Seductive allure of neuroscience explanation

Answer 27

1-Subjects in non-expert grup judged the explanation with logically irrelevant neuroscience information were more satisfying than explanations without. 2-People are tend to believe in neuroimaging a lot because seeing is believing. 3-Non-experts have a reductionist tendency. 4- neuroimaging doesn't justify everything even though we are tend to believe more.