Psychophysical dualism from the point of view of a working psychologist

Author: Molenaar, Peter

Source: Erkenntnis, Volume 65, Number 1, July 2006 , pp. 47-69(23)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Cognitive neuroscience constitutes the third phase of development of the field of cognitive psychophysiology since it was established about half a century ago. A critical historical overview is given of this development, focusing on recurring problems that keep frustrating great expectations. It is argued that psychology has to regain its independent status with respect to cognitive neuroscience and should take psychophysical dualism seriously. A constructive quantum physical model for psychophysical interaction is presented, based on a new stochastic interpretation of the quantum potential in the de Broglie-Bohm theory. This model can be applied to analyze cognitive information processing in psychological experiments. It is shown that the quantum potential shares several features with Duns Scotus' notion of contingent causality.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10670-006-9014-1

Affiliations: 1: Email: pxm21@psu.edu

Publication date: 2006-07-01