Minds, Brains and Science

The Mind-Body Problem

Study sheet #2 ________________________

Phl 204

(These questions are borrowed with permission from a Syllabus by Dr. Linda Farmer.)

1. What is the mind-body problem, and why, according to Searle, do we still it?

2. What is Descartes’ legacy with respect to this problem?

3. Why are we tempted to adopt a materialistic conception of the mind? What are the three types of materialist conceptions of mind? What do they all have in common?

4. What are the four features of mental phenomena which seem difficult to fit into a ‘scientific’ conception of the world as made up of material things? Explain why each one seems difficult to fit into that conception.

5. What is Searle’s first thesis (or claim)? Explain.

6. What is Searle’s second thesis (or claim)? Explain.

7. What is the doctrine of causa sui?

8. Explain the distinction between micro-properties and macro-properties.

9. What objection does Searle consider? How does he answer the objection?

10. How do Searle’s claims solve the problem of consciousness? Explain.

11. How do Searle’s claims solve the problem of intentionality? Explain.

12. How do Searle’s claims solve the problem of subjectivity? Explain.

13. How do Searle’s claims solve the problem of mental causation? Explain.

14. Explain Searle’s example of the hammer.

15. What is ‘naïve physicalism’? What is ‘naïve mentalism’?