PHIL
330: Metaphysics
Larkin:
Fall 2003
__________________________
Philosophy
of Human Nature
I. Conflicting Images
A.
Manifest Image: Essentially Human Perspective
1.
Teleological
a.
Theism
b.
Cosmic
Purpose
c.
External
explanation of natural world
2.
Chain
of Being (Special Creation)
a.
Immaterial
Minds/Souls
b.
Mental/normative
properties not reducible to natural properties
B.
Scientific Image: Essentially
Non-Human Perspective
1.
Causal
a.
Agnosticism/Atheism
b.
No
Cosmic Purpose
c.
Internal
explanation of natural world
2.
Tree
of Life (Evolution)
a.
Materialism
b.
Naturalism
II. Contentious Issues
III.
Possible Positions
A.
Dualism: MI is literally and fully true; constituents of MI have independent
existence
1.
Cosmo:
Two senses of ‘why’, both are perfectly legitimate
2.
MB: Causal relations between radically different
kinds
3.
FW: Agent Causation
4.
PI: Psychological Continuity
B.
Reductionism: MI is metaphorically or approximately true; constituents of MI have a
dependent existence
1.
Cosmo:
Darwinism
2.
MB: Physical realization of mental properties
3.
FW: Compatibilism
4.
PI: Biological Continuity
C.
Eliminativism: MI is not true; constituents of MI do not exist.
1.
Cosmo: There is no ultimate explanation
2.
MB: There are no mental properties
3.
FW: There are no intentional/responsible actions
4.
PI: There are no persons/selves