Identity Theory Essay, Research Paper

Behaviourism

Philosophical behaviourism, as it is sometimes described, is due to the philosopher Gilbert Ryle (1900-1976). Denies the dualist view that

mental events are events in a private, inner realm. When properly analysed, things we say about beliefs and pains, f or example, are just

observable behaviours.

My anger with you is not some modification of a spiritual substance that somehow brings about aggressive behaviour [as the dualist

would have us believe]; rather it is the aggressive behaviour itself; my addressing strong words to you, striking you, turning my back

on you, and so on. Thought is not an inner process that lies behind, and brings about, the words I speak and write: it is my speaking

and writing [and thus exists, contra the eliminative]. The mind is not an inner arena, it is outward ac t. [Armstrong, Reading brick, p. 9]

The obvious objection: that there can be mental processes going on without there being any accompanying behaviour.

Sophisticated Behaviourism

Having a pain is not a matter of how you actually behave, it is rather a matter of how you are disposed to behave.

What then is a ‘disposition’? Consider fragility. Glass is fragile; it has the disposition to break when lightly struck. That is, it would

break were it lightly struck.