Identity Theory and Falsifiability

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningfagfællebedømt

I identify a class of arguments against multiple realization (MR): BookofSand arguments. The arguments are in their general form successful under reasonably uncontroversial assumptions, but this, on the other hand, turns the table on identity theory: If arguments from MR can always be refuted by BookofSand arguments, is identity theory falsifiable? In the absence of operational demarcation criteria, it is not. I suggest a parameterized formal demarcation principle for brain state/process types and show how it can be used to identify previously unconsidered contenders for evidence for MR, e.g., binary classification, division, and sorting. For these to be actual instances of MR, the corresponding psychological kinds must be verifiably, relevantly similar. I also briefly discuss possible linguistic, behavioral, and experimental demarcation criteria for psychological kinds.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftActa Analytica
ISSN0353-5150
DOI
StatusE-pub ahead of print - 2024

Bibliografisk note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.

ID: 384490684