What is the Conceivability argument?
Rachel Fowler
Updated on March 04, 2026
What is the Conceivability argument?
The conceivability argument — which assumes physicalism entails that zombies are impossible — purports to refute it by showing they are possible. As we saw, the simplest version of this argument goes: (1) zombies are conceivable; (2) whatever is conceivable is possible; (3) therefore zombies are possible.
What is the strongest argument for substance dualism?
The Basic Argument for Substance Dualism (1) If we can exist without bodies, then we cannot be bodies. (2) We can exist without bodies. (3) Therefore, we cannot be bodies.
What is the main argument of dualism?
Substance dualists typically argue that the mind and the body are composed of different substances and that the mind is a thinking thing that lacks the usual attributes of physical objects: size, shape, location, solidity, motion, adherence to the laws of physics, and so on.
Who made the Conceivability argument?
Descartes
Descartes’ argument from conceivability for the mind and body as distinct substances is presented in Meditations VI. Descartes stars by asserting that he has a clear and distinct idea of himself as something that thinks and isn’t extended; takes up no physical space.
Does Conceivability entail possibility PDF?
Conceivability is prima facie evidence of metaphysical possibility, but it does not entail metaphysical possibility. To endorse ‘Defeasible Modal Rationalism’ is to say that p’s being (ideally, positively, primarily) conceivable constitutes a merely prima facie reason to believe that p is metaphysically possible.
What is Descartes argument for divisibility?
The divisibility argument is one of three of Descartes’ arguments for substance dualism: that is the view that the mind and body are separate. The argument runs as follows: Bodies are divisible into spatial parts. Minds are not divisible into spatial parts. Therefore, the mind is a distinct substance from the body.
Why is substance dualism wrong?
But these commonplaces create a problem for the substance dualist. (1) If substance dualism is true, then we cannot know the mental states of others. (2) We do, on at least some occasions, know the mental states of others. (3) Therefore, substance dualism is false.
Who rejected the idea of dualism?
Dennett
Dennett rejects this dualist alternative on three grounds: first, that its version of mind-to-body causation is in conflict with what we know, or have good reason to believe, from the findings of physical science; second, that the very notion of dualistic psychophysical causation is incoherent; and third, that dualism …
What is the introspective argument?
The introspective argument essentially maintains that, upon introspec- tion, we do not seem to be causally determined—instead, we feel that. our actions and decisions are freely decided by us—hence, we must. be free.
What are Qualia philosophy?
Qualia are the subjective or qualitative properties of experiences. Qualia have traditionally been thought to be intrinsic qualities of experience that are directly available to introspection. However, some philosophers offer theories of qualia that deny one or both of those features.
Who introduces the idea of Eliminative materialism?
James Cornman
The term “eliminative materialism” was first introduced by James Cornman in 1968 while describing a version of physicalism endorsed by Rorty. The later Ludwig Wittgenstein was also an important inspiration for eliminativism, particularly with his attack on “private objects” as “grammatical fictions”.
Does Conceivability entail metaphysical possibility?
Conceivability is prima facie evidence of metaphysical possibility, but it does not entail metaphysical possibility.