Journal article
The fallacy of the homuncular fallacy
Belgrade Philosophical Annual, Vol.31, pp.41-56
2018
DOI: 10.5937/BPA1831041F
Appears in Diamond Open Access
Abstract
A leading theoretical framework for naturalistic explanation of mind holds that we explain the mind by positing progressively 'stupider' capacities ('homunculi') until the mind is 'discharged' by means of capacities that are not intelligent at all. The so-called homuncular fallacy involves violating this procedure by positing the same capacities at sub-personal levels. I argue that the homuncular fallacy is not a fallacy, and that modern-day homunculi are idle posits. I propose an alternative view of what naturalism requires that reflects how the cognitive sciences are actually integrating mind and matter.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The fallacy of the homuncular fallacy
- Creators
- Carrie Figdor
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Belgrade Philosophical Annual, Vol.31, pp.41-56
- DOI
- 10.5937/BPA1831041F
- ISSN
- 0353-3891
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2018
- Academic Unit
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Philosophy
- Record Identifier
- 9984065369102771
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