Mind-brain identity theory confirmed?

A new graphical, structural, and functional model of the embodied mind is presented. Adhering to a physicalistic and reductionist approach, it resolves the apparent contradiction between the causal closure of the physical realm and the common-sense belief that the mental realm influences physical behavior. The model substantiates mind-brain identity theory and explains its neural foundation. Consciousness is viewed as both an epiphenomenon and causally potent, operating through distinct brain processes. Emphasis is placed on qualia and emotions, with their phenomenal nature explained via the perceptual theory of emotions. The model shows how autonomous agents deliberate on action scenarios and consciously select optimal ones based on knowledge, motivations, preferences, and emotions.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Presented here is a novel graphical, structural, and functional model of the embodied mind. Despite strictly adhering to a physicalistic and reductionist approach, this model successfully resolves the apparent contradiction between the thesis regarding the causal closure of the physical realm and the widely held common-sense belief that the mental realm can influence physical behavior. Furthermore, it substantiates the theory of mind-brain identity while shedding light on its neural foundation. Consciousness, viewed as an epiphenomenon in certain respects, simultaneously possesses causal potency. These two aspects operate concurrently through distinct brain processes. Within the paper, particular emphasis is placed on the significance of qualia and emotions, accompanied by an explanation of their phenomenal nature grounded in the perceptual theory of emotions. The proposed model elucidates how autonomous agents can deliberate on various action scenarios and consciously select the most optimal ones for themselves, considering their knowledge of the world, motivations, preferences, and emotions.