Of course, there remains the question of why we should…
“Of course, there remains the question of why we should find mind-brain identities so persistently counter-intuitive, if they are true. But this is a simple psychological question, and there are a number of plausible explanations. Indeed this is a topic that is quite extensively discussed outside philosophy, by developmental psychologists and theorists of religion among others, under the heading of 'intuitive dualism'. It is rather shocking that so few of the many philosophers working on 'the explanatory gap' are familiar with this empirical literature.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote questions why people find mind‑brain identity counter‑intuitive despite evidence, noting that psychology and religion studies on intuitive dualism are often ignored by philosophers.
In simple terms: People resist mind‑brain identity because it feels counter‑intuitive, yet empirical work explains this.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and integrate empirical studies on intuitive dualism into philosophical debates.
Themes
philosophy
psychology
mind‑brain
intuition
interdisciplinary
Mood
reflective
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
educational
interdisciplinary
When to use this quote
- academic seminars
- philosophy curricula
- public lectures
- interdisciplinary research
- teaching philosophy
Key Concepts
dualism
explanatory gap
cognitive bias
empirical evidence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does intuitive dualism affect everyday moral judgments?
- What empirical evidence could bridge philosophy and psychology?
A Different Perspective
Philosophers may overlook relevant empirical research, limiting their arguments.