An Explanation of Identity Theory
The Identity Theory is a materialist position that makes the claim that mental states are brain states. This view is fueled by 20th century developments in neuroscience. The Identity Theorist says that pain is neuron 38464 firing. Because this view can only be verified as scientific technology and understanding grows, the supporters of this view tend primarily to defend the Identity Theory.
One objection to this theory put forward by Putnam objects to it by the use of Leibniz' Law. Putnam says that if mental states are really brain states then they must share the same properties. For instance, mental reports and physical are both reported differently (mental through introspection, physical through observation). Also, there is no logical contradiction in saying X has a pain but no brain state, or vice versa. Therefore, the claim that mental states are brain states is not necessarily true.
Place bites this bullet and makes the claim that brain states are identical to mental states as contingently true. He does this by diagnosing the philosophical problem with the use of 'is'. Mind is brain does not use the 'is' of definition or the 'is' of predication. It uses of the 'is' of composition. Ultimately, "mind is brain" is a contingent statement, like "my table is a trunk". This is enough for a scientific theory, says Place
A reason not to accept Type-Type Identity Theory is that it is a logical possibility, and probably physically true that pain for you is neuron 75496 firing while pain for me is neuron 85756 firing. This means that a specific pain is not a specific neurological state, precisely what the Type-Type Identity Theorist wants to claim.
This objection along with further understanding in science and psychology led to the Token-Token Identity Theory. This position allows for every individual to have their own mind and brain identity relationship.
Still for many philosophers there seems to still be a lacking explanation for our raw sensations. There seems to be something more to mind than identical brain states that exist in our conscious experience that is not explained by the physicist.
Published by Travis Tate
I am a freelance artist. I mostly paint and write, but also draw and play base. My interests include art history and philosophy. View profile
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