What is a Conceivability argument in philosophy?

The conceivability argument — which assumes physicalism entails that zombies are impossible — purports to refute it by showing they are possible. As we saw, the simplest version of this argument goes: (1) zombies are conceivable; (2) whatever is conceivable is possible; (3) therefore zombies are possible.

What is the Conceivability argument Descartes?

In this excerpt, Descartes lays out his conceivability argument for substance dualism. He reasons that something that is conceivable is logically possible, and something that is inconceivable is logically impossible. It is conceivable—and therefore logically possible—that someone can exist without a body.

What is Descartes argument for mind body dualism?

One of the deepest and most lasting legacies of Descartes’ philosophy is his thesis that mind and body are really distinct—a thesis now called “mind-body dualism.” He reaches this conclusion by arguing that the nature of the mind (that is, a thinking, non-extended thing) is completely different from that of the body ( …

What is the main argument of dualism?

Substance dualists typically argue that the mind and the body are composed of different substances and that the mind is a thinking thing that lacks the usual attributes of physical objects: size, shape, location, solidity, motion, adherence to the laws of physics, and so on.

Does Conceivability entail possibility PDF?

Conceivability is prima facie evidence of metaphysical possibility, but it does not entail metaphysical possibility. To endorse ‘Defeasible Modal Rationalism’ is to say that p’s being (ideally, positively, primarily) conceivable constitutes a merely prima facie reason to believe that p is metaphysically possible.

Who made the Conceivability argument?

Descartes
Descartes’ argument from conceivability for the mind and body as distinct substances is presented in Meditations VI. Descartes stars by asserting that he has a clear and distinct idea of himself as something that thinks and isn’t extended; takes up no physical space.

Who created the Conceivability argument?

1The expression is coined by Thomas Nagel (1974). This dissertation concerns the most important arguments – the so- called “Conceivability Arguments” – for the claim that there is no place for phenomenal consciousness in a completely physical reality.

Who argued that mind and body are one and all psychological process are part of physical processes?

Thomas Hobbes and John Locke were English philosophers from the 17th century who disagreed with the concept of dualism. They argued that all human experiences are physical processes occurring within the brain and nervous system.

What does dualism mean in philosophy?

dualism, in philosophy, the use of two irreducible, heterogeneous principles (sometimes in conflict, sometimes complementary) to analyze the knowing process (epistemological dualism) or to explain all of reality or some broad aspect of it (metaphysical dualism).

What does dualism tell something about the body and mind?

Dualism is the view that the mind and body both exist as separate entities. Descartes / Cartesian dualism argues that there is a two-way interaction between mental and physical substances. Descartes argued that the mind interacts with the body at the pineal gland.

Does Conceivability entail metaphysical possibility?

Conceivability is prima facie evidence of metaphysical possibility, but it does not entail metaphysical possibility.