Empirical Panpsychism: A New Synthesis
Journal of Consciousness Studies June 1, 2023 DOI: 10.53765/20512201.30.5.075 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that organismic panpsychism can be empirical in principle despite panpsychism's typical lack of empirical predictions. |
Abstract
It is frequently claimed that panpsychism is unable in principle to generate evidence or predictions. After exploring how this impasse owes to panpsychism's commitment to brute physicalism, I argue that organismic panpsychism (OP) can retain this commitment and yet be empirical in principle. I then explore ways in which OP can be defended against a range of objections. These objections primarily relate to OP's metaphysics, its dependency on string theory, and its appeal to future states of science. Finally, OP's ability to avert a worrying consequence of Russellian panpsychism is discussed.