The Type-Token Distinction and the Mind and Brain Sciences

Griesel, Carsten (2008) The Type-Token Distinction and the Mind and Brain Sciences. In [2008] Reduction and the Special Sciences (Tilburg, April 10-12, 2008).

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Abstract

This paper is an analysis of scientific types – the categories of a scientific taxonomy. I argue that the philosophical view about mental types stands in contrast to the real nature of scientific types, which is in turn responsible for the mind-body problem. Since the view on the relation between psychology and neurology was broadened to the status about special sciences in general, my argument can also be applied to the general special science discussion. My picture of types being the result of categorizing tokens with respect to their micro structure is used to show how scientific practice makes multiple realizability implausible.

Keywords:Natural Kinds; Unity of Science; Mind-Body Problem; Identity Theory of Mind; Physicalism
Subjects:Specific Sciences: Biology: Neuroscience
Specific Sciences: Psychology/Psychiatry
General Issues: Laws of Nature
General Issues: Reductionism/Holism
General Issues: Explanation
Specific Sciences: Cognitive Science
General Issues: Philosophers of Science
Conferences and Volumes:[2008] Reduction and the Special Sciences (Tilburg, April 10-12, 2008)
ID Code:3860
Deposited By:Griesel, Carsten
Deposited On:31 January 2008