Footnotes2Plato Physicalism and Its Discontents: A Study in Whitehead's Panexperientialist Alternative
Feb 23, 2021
Dive into Whitehead's philosophy as a refreshing critique of traditional physicalism, showcasing a complex view of consciousness. Explore the debate on consciousness's role in evolution and challenge epiphenomenalism with new theories. Discover how consciousness emerges from organized structures in matter and the intricate ties between physicalism and intentionality. This engaging journey invites listeners to reevaluate established ideas about consciousness and its place in the natural world.
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Whitehead's Reception
- Quine and Davidson, despite studying with Whitehead, dismissed or misunderstood his later metaphysical work.
- However, Ernest Nagel praised Whitehead's sensitivity to scientific advancements and philosophical tradition.
Physicalism's Problem
- Physicalists struggle to explain consciousness, resorting to eliminativism, epiphenomenalism, or emergentism.
- These strategies either deny consciousness, treat it as inconsequential, or fail to explain its emergence from matter.
Epiphenomenalism's Flaw
- Epiphenomenalism, the idea that consciousness has no causal power, struggles to explain its evolutionary development.
- If it serves no function, it shouldn't have evolved, a problem for naturalistic frameworks.