Multiple Realization, Computation and the Taxonomy of Psychological States

Author: Shagrir O.

Source: Synthese, Volume 114, Number 3, March 1998 , pp. 445-461(17)

Publisher: Springer

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $47.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

The paper criticizes standard functionalist arguments for multiple realization. It focuses on arguments in which psychological states are conceived as computational, which is precisely where the multiple realization doctrine has seemed the strongest. It is argued that a type-type identity thesis between computational states and physical states is no less plausible than a multiple realization thesis. The paper also presents, more tentatively, positive arguments for a picture of local reduction.

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Edelstein Center for History and Philosophy of Science, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel

Publication date: 1998-03-01