Can a Post-Galilean Science of Consciousness Avoid Substance Dualism?

This philosophical paper argues that Philip Goff's proposed post-Galilean science of consciousness, which aims to reject dualism, actually entails a form of substance dualism. The author contends that Goff's arguments are compatible with and logically lead to dualism in an important sense, suggesting that the revolution Goff advocates might instead be a restoration of older views. The paper does not claim this is problematic for Goff's project but clarifies the philosophical implications.

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Abstract

In Galileo's Error, Philip Goff sets out a manifesto for a post-Galilean science of consciousness. Article three of the manifesto says that a post-Galilean science of consciousness should reject dualism. I argue that there is an important sense of 'dualism' whereby Goff's arguments are not only compatible with but entail dualism, and not only dualism but substance dualism. I do not suggest that this is bad news for the post-Galilean revolution. But if it is correct then the revolution might equally be considered a restoration.