Materialism
Metaphysical view that only physical matter exists; mental states reduce to brain states. Eliminative materialism denies mental states exist as commonly understood. Reductive materialism explains mind through neuroscience. Materialism contrasts with dualism and idealism. Scientific materialism dominates contemporary philosophy of mind. Challenges include explaining consciousness (hard problem), qualia, and intentionality. Materialism influences neuroscience, AI, and eliminates need for souls or spirits. The view tensions with subjective experience's seeming irreducibility.
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Idealism
Metaphysical view that reality is fundamentally mental or experiential. Berkeley's subjective idealism: to be is …
Dualism
Metaphysical view that mind and body are distinct substances. Cartesian substance dualism: mind (res cogitans) …
Reductionism
View that complex phenomena can be explained by reducing to simpler components. Methodological reductionism: study …
Rationalism
Epistemological view that reason is primary source of knowledge, independent of experience. Rationalists like Descartes, …
Empiricism
Epistemological view that knowledge comes from sensory experience. Empiricists like Locke, Berkeley, and Hume reject …
Panpsychism
View that consciousness or mind-like qualities are fundamental and ubiquitous in nature. All matter has …
Existentialism
Philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice. Existentialism asserts that existence precedes essence—humans create …
Consciousness
The subjective quality of experience—what it's like to be something. Phenomenal consciousness is qualitative experience …
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