Skip to content
Carmelics
TopicsThinkersChangesContributorsLoading account…

    Carmelics

    A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

    Navigate

    • Topics
    • Search
    • Recent Changes
    • Contribute
    • How It Works
    • Glossary
    • Thinkers
    • Contributors
    • About
    • Statistics
    • Terms
    • Privacy

    Database

    Statements
    —
    Perspectives
    —
    Topics
    —

    Press ? for keyboard shortcuts

    LoyalLoyalJusticeJustice
    Made withinDC&Austin
    Statements
    321,452
    Perspectives
    108,905
    Topics
    42
    If causal power can be grounded in non-mental natures or ... — Carmelics
    Home
    HistoryEditSee Inverse

    Part of a larger discussion

    Challenges→The first mover must be a mind.

    If causal power can be grounded in non-mental natures or forms, the inference from 'not a body' to 'must be a mind' commits a false dilemma by presupposing mentality is necessary for agency.

    ?Rate how convincing each reason is below to see the overall strength.
    1 reason for
    1 reason against

    Reasons For

    1 perspective
    Reason for
    ?
    • 1.Aristotelian forms possess intrinsic causal powers independent of consciousness or mentality.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.The dichotomy 'physical body or mental substance' omits non-mental abstract entities as causal agents.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Agency requires only purposive organization or teleology, not phenomenal awareness or intentionality.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Abstract forms are causally inert; only instantiated particulars with mental direction cause effects.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.All apparently non-mental agency reduces to physical causation or derivative mental causation ultimately.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Teleology without consciousness is merely projection; true agency requires intentional directedness toward goals.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Sign in or register to share your perspective on this statement.

    Next step

    Based on where you are in your exploration

    Strongest counterpoint
    Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.

    Key Terms

    Causal power(as used in metaphysics)
    The ability of something to make other things happen or change; the capacity to be a cause.
    False dilemma(as used in logic and argumentation)
    A logical mistake where you present only two choices when there are actually more options available, making an argument seem stronger than it really is.
    Mentality(in philosophy of mind)
    The realm of all mental things—thoughts, feelings, experiences, and anything related to the mind.
    Non-mental natures or forms(in philosophy of mind and metaphysics)
    Physical properties or essential characteristics of things that are not thoughts, consciousness, or minds.
    agency(Used to assess whether switching the trolley is deontologically prohibited.)
    A morally relevant sense in which an agent is the direct cause of harm, invoked in deontological constraints; its absence removes a deontological bar to acting.
    grounded in(whether distinctness or identity is explained by intrinsic features)
    To be explained by or to have its reason or basis in something else—like how a tree being wet is grounded in (explained by) recent rain.

    Connections

    1 linked claim · 2 topics

    Natural Theology1 linkedDivine Attributes1 linked
    The first mover must be a mind.

    Related

    Abstract forms are causally inert; only instantiated particulars with mental dir...

    Details

    Type
    claim
    Perspectives
    2 (1 for, 1 against)
    Edits
    1 edit
    Agency requires only purposive organization or teleology, not phenomenal awarene...
    All apparently non-mental agency reduces to physical causation or derivative men...
    Aristotelian forms possess intrinsic causal powers independent of consciousness ...
    +3 moreShow less
    Teleology without consciousness is merely projection; true agency requires inten...The dichotomy 'physical body or mental substance' omits non-mental abstract enti...The first mover must be a mind.