How Matter Becomes Conscious: A Naturalistic Theory of the Mind

Description

This innovative book proposes a unique and original perspective on the nature of the mind and how phenomenal consciousness may arise in a physical world. From simple sentient organisms to complex self-reflective systems, Faye argues for a naturalistic-evolutionary approach to philosophy of mind and consciousness. Drawing on substantial literature in evolutionary biology and cognitive science, this book offers a promising alternative to the major theories of the mind-body problem: the quality of our experiences should not, as some philosophers have claimed, be associated with subjectivity that is not open for scientific explanation, nor should it be associated with intrinsic properties of the brain. Instead, Faye argues that mental properties are extrinsic properties of the brain caused by the organism’s interaction with its environment. Taking on the explanatory gap, and rejecting the ontological pluralism of present naturalist theories of the mind, Faye thus proposes a unified view of reality in which it is possible to explain qualitative mental presentations as part of the physical world. Front Matter ....Pages i-xviii Flipping the Debate (Jan Faye)....Pages 1-28 Our Animal Mind (Jan Faye)....Pages 29-68 Subjectivity in a Biological Perspective (Jan Faye)....Pages 69-105 A Difference That Makes No Difference (Jan Faye)....Pages 107-143 Why Identity Is Not Enough (Jan Faye)....Pages 145-181 Functionalism, Mechanisms, and Levels of Reality (Jan Faye)....Pages 183-223 The Environment Is What Matters (Jan Faye)....Pages 225-258 Understanding Consciousness (Jan Faye)....Pages 259-304 Back Matter ....Pages 305-329