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    Cartesian intuition is not a reliable basis for arguments... — Carmelics
    Home/Perception
    HistoryEditSee Inverse

    Cartesian intuition is not a reliable basis for arguments against functionalism, including the inverted spectrum argument

    Consciousness & MindPerception
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    2 reasons for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

    2 perspectives
    Reason for 1 of 2
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    • 1.Cartesian intuition tracks conceivability, not metaphysical possibility, and Kripke's own work shows conceivability and possibility systematically diverge.
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    • 2.If inverted spectrum arguments depend on conceivability-to-possibility inferences, they inherit this gap and cannot establish genuine modal claims against functionalism.
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    • 3.Ned Block's own distinction between access and phenomenal consciousness shows functional equivalence is compatible with phenomenal difference, making the conceivability step do no additional work.
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    Reason for 2 of 2
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    • 1.Daniel Dennett's heterophenomenological method shows that intuitive reports about qualia are theory-laden and shaped by Cartesian folk psychology rather than direct phenomenal access.
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    • 2.If our intuitions about spectrum inversion are artifacts of a Cartesian conceptual framework, those intuitions cannot serve as independent evidence against functionalist theories without begging the question.
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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
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    • 1.Cartesian intuition is not discriminating — it certifies possibility across a wide range of scenarios
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    • 2.Cartesian intuition certifies scenarios that functionalists consider impossible, such as zombies, thinking rocks, and disembodied minds
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    • 3.Any inverted spectrum argument relying on Cartesian intuitions can be converted into an equally plausible and simpler argument that omits the inverted spectrum entirely
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    PerceptionConsciousness & Mind

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    Related

    Any inverted spectrum argument relying on Cartesian intuitions can be converted ...Cartesian intuition certifies scenarios that functionalists consider impossible,...Cartesian intuition is not discriminating — it certifies possibility across a wi...Cartesian intuition tracks conceivability, not metaphysical possibility, and Kri...
    +4 moreShow less
    Daniel Dennett's heterophenomenological method shows that intuitive reports abou...If inverted spectrum arguments depend on conceivability-to-possibility inference...If our intuitions about spectrum inversion are artifacts of a Cartesian conceptu...Ned Block's own distinction between access and phenomenal consciousness shows fu...

    Similar

    Any inverted spectrum argument relying on Cartesian intuitions can be ...87%Spectrum inversion scenarios are of special significance among anti-fu...80%The Inverted Earth argument against functionalism may need to appeal t...79%Cartesian intuition certifies scenarios that functionalists consider i...78%

    Source

    AI-extracted1/3 agreementValid
    SEP: qualia-inverted
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    However, Cartesian intuition, just like conceptual coherence, is not a very discriminating weapon, tending to spread possibility over a wide landscape (cf. Tye 2003, section 4). Cartesian intuition also tends to certify the possibility of scenarios containing zombies, thinking rocks, entirely disembodied minds (not even embodied in ectoplasm), and so forth—all impossibilities, according to the functionalist. So, as with conceptual coherence, any inverted spectrum argument against functionalism t
    Extraction notes

    Validity: Extracted via Max plan + API grounding/validity checks

    Details

    Type
    claim
    Perspectives
    3 (2 for, 1 against)
    Edits
    1 edit