Abstract
AbstractIn this work I attempt to justify the claim that the discovery of statistically relevant brain correlates of consciousness supports Non-Reductive Physicalism. First I distinguish the main varieties of Reductive and Non-Reductive Physicalism, selecting the right one that is benefited by progress in brain sciences. Second, I discuss epistemological problems in the search of brain correlates of consciousness, focusing on the simultaneous occurrence of conscious activity, known by means of subjective report, and the corresponding brain activity, registered with the help of technology. Finally, I argue – using Salmon´s concept of Statistical Explanation - that statistics affords a distinction of causal (physical) from casual (illusory) correlations.
Highlights
In Reductive Physicalism, the reduced theory is Psychology
In this work I attempt to justify the claim that the discovery of statistically relevant brain correlates of consciousness supports Non-Reductive Physicalism
The resulting different views of physical reality are conceived as determined by the methods; B) Pragmatic NRIP postulates that the choice of methods is pragmatic, and different views can be made compatible when convenient
Summary
In Reductive Physicalism, the reduced theory is Psychology (both folk and scientific). The difference between the reductive varieties lies in the proposed explanans:. A) for Micro-Reductionists, psychological properties are going to be explained in terms of micro/molecular entities and their relations, e.g. by means of the interaction of biological molecules with receptor proteins;. B) for Math-Reductionists, psychological properties are going to be explained by models of Mathematical Physics, e.g. Dynamical Systems Theory;. C) for Fundamentalists, psychological properties are going to be explained by fundamental physical theories, as quantum and string theories, e.g. conscious states considered as quantum coherent conformations of neuronal microtubules
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