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    If representation requires no explanation for abstract pr... — Carmelics
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    Challenges→Propositions are abstract, necessary existents that essentially and primitively represent the world as being a certain way, without any explanation being possible for this fact.

    If representation requires no explanation for abstract propositions, the same move would trivially dissolve the mind-body problem by stipulating mental states 'primitively represent'.

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

    1 perspective
    Reason for
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    • 1.Abstract propositions lack causal powers, so explaining representation requires no physical mechanism—unlike mental states, which causally affect behavior.
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    • 2.Stipulating primitive representation for mental states merely relocates the explanatory burden without addressing the physical basis of intentionality.
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    • 3.The asymmetry shows that explanatory standards differ between abstract and concrete domains; ignoring this difference creates false equivalences.
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    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Mathematical objects may also require explanation for how minds access or represent them—so the disanalogy between abstract and mental domains is unclear.
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    • 2.Even if representation of propositions needs no causal explanation, this doesn't establish that mental representation *cannot* be primitive without dissolution of mind-body problem.
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    • 3.The objection assumes stipulating primitives trivially solves problems, but primitives can be substantive and explanatorily legitimate in mature theories.
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    Key Terms

    Abstract propositions(in metaphysics and logic)
    Statements or claims about ideas, concepts, or numbers—things that don't have a physical form. For example, 'two plus two equals four' is abstract because the numbers themselves don't exist as physical objects you can touch.
    Mind-Body Problem(Traditional philosophy of mind)
    The metaphysical question concerning the status of mind in relation to the physical world
    Stipulating(as used in philosophical reasoning)
    Assuming or declaring something to be true for the sake of argument, even if it hasn't been proven.
    mental states(Herder's theory of mind)
    Conditions consisting in forces that manifest themselves in people's bodily behavior, conceptually tied to corresponding types of bodily behavior but not reducible thereto
    primitively represent(metaphysics and philosophy of mind)
    To represent something as a basic, irreducible fact that needs no further explanation—just accepting it as a given starting point rather than trying to explain it deeper.
    representation(Schopenhauer's Kantian framework; the empirical/phenomenal side of reality)
    The world as it appears to a knowing subject; objects as they are given through the subject's cognitive forms

    Connections

    2 topics

    Truth & Knowledge1 linkedPhilosophy of Language1 linked

    Related

    Abstract propositions lack causal powers, so explaining representation requires ...Even if representation of propositions needs no causal explanation, this doesn't...

    Details

    Type
    claim
    Perspectives
    2 (1 for, 1 against)
    Edits
    1 edit
    Mathematical objects may also require explanation for how minds access or repres...
    Propositions are abstract, necessary existents that essentially and primitively ...
    +3 moreShow less
    Stipulating primitive representation for mental states merely relocates the expl...The asymmetry shows that explanatory standards differ between abstract and concr...The objection assumes stipulating primitives trivially solves problems, but prim...