Philosophy AQA A Level
3.4 Metaphysics of mind
What do we mean by ‘mind’?
Features of mental states:
● All or at least some mental states have phenomenal properties
○ Some, but not all, philosophers use the term 'qualia' to refer to these properties, where 'qualia' are defined as 'intrinsic and
non-intentional phenomenal properties that are introspectively accessible'
● All or at least some mental states have intentional properties (ie intentionality).
Dualist theories
Substance dualism
Minds exist and are not identical to bodies or to parts of bodies.
The indivisibility argument for substance dualism (Descartes).
Responses, including:
● the mental is divisible in some sense
● not everything thought of as physical is divisible.
The conceivability argument for substance dualism (expressed without reference to God) (Descartes).
Responses including:
● mind without body is not conceivable
● what is conceivable may not be metaphysically possible
● what is metaphysically possible tells us nothing about the actual world.
, Specification: What do we mean by ‘mind’?
What do we mean by ‘mind’?
Features of mental states:
● All or at least some mental states have phenomenal properties
○ Some, but not all, philosophers use the term 'qualia' to refer to these properties,
where 'qualia' are defined as 'intrinsic and non-intentional phenomenal properties
that are introspectively accessible'
● All or at least some mental states have intentional properties (ie intentionality).
, Mind: has “mental properties” and “mental states” such as beliefs, mental
events (e.g. decisions, realisation, thinking a thought or feeling a pain.
THE MIND HAS TWO IMPORTANT FEATURES:
1. CONSCIOUSNESS 2. THOUGHT
Phenomenal properties/Qualia Intentional properties
(intentionality)
● Some, but not all, philosophers
use the term 'qualia' to refer to ● Thoughts are ‘about’ something,
these properties. objects or events in the world.
● 'Qualia' are defined as: E.g. the desire for chocolate.
● My state of mind is’ directed
● (1) 'intrinsic
towards an ‘object.
● (2) non-intentional ● This directness is called
phenomenal properties intentionality.
● (3) that are introspectively ● Beliefs, desires and emotions
accessible' all have Intentionality.’
3.4 Metaphysics of mind
What do we mean by ‘mind’?
Features of mental states:
● All or at least some mental states have phenomenal properties
○ Some, but not all, philosophers use the term 'qualia' to refer to these properties, where 'qualia' are defined as 'intrinsic and
non-intentional phenomenal properties that are introspectively accessible'
● All or at least some mental states have intentional properties (ie intentionality).
Dualist theories
Substance dualism
Minds exist and are not identical to bodies or to parts of bodies.
The indivisibility argument for substance dualism (Descartes).
Responses, including:
● the mental is divisible in some sense
● not everything thought of as physical is divisible.
The conceivability argument for substance dualism (expressed without reference to God) (Descartes).
Responses including:
● mind without body is not conceivable
● what is conceivable may not be metaphysically possible
● what is metaphysically possible tells us nothing about the actual world.
, Specification: What do we mean by ‘mind’?
What do we mean by ‘mind’?
Features of mental states:
● All or at least some mental states have phenomenal properties
○ Some, but not all, philosophers use the term 'qualia' to refer to these properties,
where 'qualia' are defined as 'intrinsic and non-intentional phenomenal properties
that are introspectively accessible'
● All or at least some mental states have intentional properties (ie intentionality).
, Mind: has “mental properties” and “mental states” such as beliefs, mental
events (e.g. decisions, realisation, thinking a thought or feeling a pain.
THE MIND HAS TWO IMPORTANT FEATURES:
1. CONSCIOUSNESS 2. THOUGHT
Phenomenal properties/Qualia Intentional properties
(intentionality)
● Some, but not all, philosophers
use the term 'qualia' to refer to ● Thoughts are ‘about’ something,
these properties. objects or events in the world.
● 'Qualia' are defined as: E.g. the desire for chocolate.
● My state of mind is’ directed
● (1) 'intrinsic
towards an ‘object.
● (2) non-intentional ● This directness is called
phenomenal properties intentionality.
● (3) that are introspectively ● Beliefs, desires and emotions
accessible' all have Intentionality.’
