Eliminative materialism

• What does eliminative materialism claim about common sense mental states?

  They do not exist and are mistaken.
• How does eliminative materialism differ from other physicalist theories?

  It seeks to eliminate folk psychology concepts.
• Which concepts does eliminative materialism reject?

  Belief, pain, thought, and happiness.
• What does eliminative materialism argue about terms like 'belief' and 'pain'?

  They do not correspond to anything specific.
• What is the eliminative materialist view on the analysis of mental states?

  It should resemble neuroscience, not folk psychology.
• How does eliminative materialism view the concept of the soul?

  It rejects the existence of the soul entirely.
• What is folk psychology?

  • Everyday psychological concepts and explanations
  • Examples include reasons for behavior
  • Integral to language and common sense
• What does type identity theory do with the concept of pain?

  It reduces pain to c-fibres.
• How do type identity theory and functionalism differ in their approach to folk psychology?

  They disagree on what pain should be reduced to.
• What do the Churchlands suggest about folk psychology as a scientific theory?

  It should be treated like any other scientific theory.
• What is a key problem with folk psychology according to the Churchlands?

  It cannot explain mental illness or learning.
• How does folk psychology compare to other scientific theories over time?

  It has not advanced like other theories.
• What is intentionality in the context of folk psychology?

  It refers to thoughts being about something.
• Why do the Churchlands believe folk psychology is inaccurate?

  It lacks intentionality and scientific rigor.
• What do the Churchlands propose as a replacement for folk psychology?

  Neuroscience as a more rigorous scientific theory.
• What analogy do the Churchlands use to explain folk psychology's usefulness?

  It is like using Newton's equations for quick calculations.
• What is the Churchlands' stance on using terms like 'belief' and 'pain'?

  They should not be taken literally in science.
• What is a potential criticism of eliminative materialism regarding self-refutation?

  It claims beliefs don't exist while expressing belief.
• How do the Churchlands respond to the self-refutation criticism?

  They argue beliefs are misidentified as neuroscience.
• What challenge does eliminative materialism face regarding intentionality?

  It offers no neuroscientific alternative to intentionality.
• Why is it difficult to eliminate folk psychology entirely?

  Intentionality is necessary for meaningful statements.