What is the "physicalist" perspective with regard to neuroscience and philosophy?
How does contemporary research support or not support these ideas?
- Physicalists believe that in the final analysis mental states (including consciousness in the most general sense) are identical with, reducible to, or explainable in terms of physical brain states.
- Since our conscious mental life is identical with, reducible to, or explainable in terms of physical brain states, which themselves are governed deterministic causal laws, there is no place for "free will" to exist.
- Research showing brain activity several seconds before awareness of making a choice has been cited as supporting physicalism, but other says that neuroscientists do not yet know exactly what is happening during that brain activity and more research is needed.
- There is also research suggesting that people are more likely to act unethically - by cheating - if they believe that their choices are determined by factors beyond their control, essentially making a self-serving choice because they believe they have no choice.
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Moral virtue can be understood only in physical terms, not in the abstract
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
According to utilitarianism, there is no such thing as supererogation (i.e., actions that are above and beyond the call of duty).
A. True B. False
Symbolic stories which communities use to explain the universe and their place within it are known as _____________________
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
Which of the following is a feature of nonmoral values?
A. They are worthwhile for their own sake. B. They are a means to an end to be achieved. C. They benefit oneself and others. D. They include altruism, tolerance, and justice.