Categories Quote by David Papineau
“Philosophers sometimes also use 'reductionist' more strictly, to mean 'type-identities' between mental and physical categories, and to exclude 'non-reductive physicalisms' like metaphysical functionalism.”
About This Quote
Source Academic paper: Philosophy of Mind, 1990s
Reductionism links mental and physical categories tightly, rejecting broader physicalist views.
In simple terms: Reductionism ties mind and body closely.
Key Takeaway
Consider limits of strict reductionism.
Themes
philosophy
mind-body
epistemology
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
theoretical
academic
When to use this quote
- neuroscience research
- psychology
- artificial intelligence
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
identity theory
physicalism
reductionism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is a strict identity view sufficient for consciousness?
- What are the risks of ignoring non‑reductive perspectives?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex phenomena.
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![“In the past, [medicalization]has been portrayed as something that doctors inflict on a passive and un-suspecting world - an expansion of the Medical Empire. But in reality, it seems that these reductionist bio-medical stories can appeal to us all, because complex problems often have…” quote by Ben Goldacre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84e/ben-goldacre-9578_appeals_in-the-past-medicalization-has-been-port_921552.jpg)
![“I don't think in national categories. For me it [policy] is about concepts and substance.” quote by Jean-Claude Juncker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/911/jean-claude-juncker-3277_categories_i-don-t-think-in-national-categories-for_14194.jpg)
![“I read so ravenously that I would read through whole categories. I was crazy about reading biographies. [...] I think biographies are very urgent to children.” quote by Joan Didion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a53/joan-didion-497_biographies_i-read-so-ravenously-that-i-would-read-t_43631.jpg)
