The three world problem: How to do philosophy of mind without metaphysics
Catherine M. Reason
PsyArXiv January 22, 2025 preprint DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/qbfrz (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Key points | Argues that philosophy of mind and metaphysics exert an excessive and ill-founded influence on consciousness research, because metaphysical terms are often ill-defined and equivocal and philosophical arguments are weaker than abstract mathematical formulations. Offers the "Three Worlds Problem" as a mathematical argument that traditional metaphysics cannot adequately address or challenge. |
Abstract
This article suggests that the influence of philosophy of mind and metaphysics in the study of consciousness, has become excessive and is not well-founded. Metaphysical terms are often ill-defined and equivocal, and philosophy of mind relies largely on weak, concrete arguments which lack the power of more abstract mathematical formulations. An example is given of a mathematical argument, the Three Worlds Problem, which cannot be adequately addressed or challenged within a traditional metaphysical framework.
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| The phenomenology of deep brain stimulation-induced changes in OCD: an enactive affordance-based model. | 2013 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Looking for the Self: Phenomenology, Neurophysiology and Philosophical Significance of Drug-induced Ego Dissolution | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |