What Was Huxley's Epiphenomenalism?

Author: Campbell N.

Source: Biology and Philosophy, Volume 16, Number 3, June 2001 , pp. 357-375(19)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Thomas Huxley is often identified as the originator of the doctrine known as ``epiphenomenalism,'' but there appears to be little appreciation for the details of Huxley's theory. In particular, conflicting interpretations show that there is uncertainty about two aspects of his position: whether mental states are completely without causal powers or simply have no influence on the behavior they are typically taken to explain, and whether conscious epiphenomena are themselves physical states of the brain or immaterial items. I clarify these issues and show that Huxley's brand of epiphenomenalism is in fact different from the forms usually attributed to him.

Keywords: consciousness; epiphenomenalism; Huxley

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Waterloo, ON, Canada

Publication date: 2001-06-01