Author Description

Physicalism, The Theory That Everything Is Physical Is One Of The Most Controversial Ideas In Philosophy. In This Introduction, The Author Focuses On Three Fundamental Questions: The Interpretation, Truth, And Philosophical Significance Of Physicalism, While Covering The Following Key Topics: History, Definitions, Challenge From Empirical Sciences, Relationship With Physics, Relationship With Causality, And Key Debates In Metaphysics And Philosophy Of Mind, Such As Supervenience, Identity, And Conceivability. The Standard Picture -- Form And Alternatives -- The Starting Point View -- The Theory View -- Hempel's Dilemma -- The Necessity View -- Is Necessitation Necessary? -- Is Necessitation Sufficient? -- Skeptics And True Believers -- Arguments Against Physicalism -- Arguments For Physicalism. Daniel Stoljar. Includes Chapter Summaries. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [237]-246) And Index.