The Prospects for Non-reductive Physicalism

Abstract

The aim of this paper is provide a reassessment of Nonreductive Physicalism (NP) as a position in philosophy of mind in view of influential critiques of some of its central assumptions and implications. First, I undertake to explicate NP’s foundational concepts and metaphysical commitments in the attempt to establish NP’s internal coherence. Second, I defend NP against an attempt to discredit its theoretical plausibility by responding to what is perhaps the most powerful argument against NP, namely, Jaegwon Kim’s argument to the effect that the very principles of NP commit NP to epiphenomenalism.