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    Carmelics

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    Home/Original/inverse
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    Inverse View

    It is not the case that Individual qualia need not be functional in nature even if having some phenomenal character is functionally guaranteed

    ?Set your confidence on the premises below to see your aggregate.

    Reasons For

    2 perspectives
    Reason for 1 of 2
    ?
    • 1.If functional organization necessarily produces some phenomenal character, the specific character produced is constrained by the functional structure generating it.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Ned Block's own conceivability arguments for inverted spectra presuppose that qualia have intrinsic properties, but intrinsic properties of mental states are best explained by their causal-functional roles per Shoemaker's functionalist account.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Shoemaker's 'Functionalism and Qualia' demonstrates that the functional properties of color experience logically determine their qualitative similarity and difference relations, leaving no room for spectrum inversion.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reason for 2 of 2
    ?
    • 1.The inference from 'absent qualia are impossible' to 'only phenomenal character as such has a functional essence' commits a composition fallacy: if every token quale requires functional realization, the specific character of each is functionally individuated.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.Daniel Dennett's heterophenomenological framework establishes that there is no coherent explanatory gap between functional role and qualitative character once we reject the Cartesian assumption of a privileged introspective inner theater.
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Reasons Against

    1 perspective
    Reason against
    ?
    • 1.Showing that absent qualia are impossible only establishes that phenomenal character as such has a functional essence
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 2.It does not show that the specific qualitative character of individual qualia is determined by functional role
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    • 3.Inverted spectra remain possible even if absent qualia are impossible
      ?

      Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

    Next step

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