Metodo

International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Journal | Volume | Article

113436

Purified by supervenience

A case study in the uses of supervenience in confirmation

Joseph A Corabi

pp. 149-170

Abstract

This paper explores the use of supervenience in clarifying and elucidating debates about empirical arguments surrounding the mind-body problem and mental causation. In particular, it examines William James’s famous evolutionary argument against epiphenomenalism, and shows that concepts associated with supervenience—in combination with Bayesianism—can transform our understanding of how the evidence the argument adduces should be handled. After providing a thorough critique and updating of the traditional argument using the tools provided by supervenience, objections to the general approach are also addressed.

Publication details

Published in:

Caminada Emanuele, Summa Michela (2015) Supervenience and the theory of experience. Metodo 3 (2).

Pages: 149-170

DOI: 10.19079/metodo.3.2.149

Full citation:

Corabi Joseph A (2015) „Purified by supervenience: A case study in the uses of supervenience in confirmation“. Metodo 3 (2), 149–170.