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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Examining the Mind-Brain Identity Theory, Oct. 21
The Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences will continue its 2010–2011 Faculty Lecture Series with a talk by David McNaron, Ph.D., professor, titled, “The Mind-Brain Identity Theory.” The presentation will take place on Oct. 21 from 12 – 1 p.m., in the Parker Building, room 240.
Philosophers have long asked the questions, “What is the nature of mental phenomena?” and, “What is the place of mind in the natural world?” After the demise of logical behaviorism, philosophers sought a materialistic replacement theory and developed the Identity Theory. According to this theory, talk of the mental does not have the same meaning as talk of behavior. Rather, mental terms and physical terms have the same reference: mental states are identical to physical states of the brain and central nervous system.
Identity theorists found novel ways to defend materialism against objections leveled by philosophers since the time of Descartes. Yet the Identity Theory raises a number of problems of its own. This talk will present the debate over the truth of the Identity Theory in philosophy.
The annual Faculty Lecture Series draws from the knowledge and expertise of more than 120 full-time faculty members within the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences. The series explores the faculty’s diverse areas of interest in the arts, humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and biological sciences.
These talks are free and open to the public. For more information on the college’s Faculty Lecture Series, contact Jim Doan, Ph.D., at 954-262-8207 or visit www.fcas.nova.edu/articles/fls.