A Materialist Theory of the Mind

D. M. Armstrong's A Materialist Theory of the Mind is a landmark book that argues that mental states are nothing but physical states of the brain. It launched the physicalist revolution in approaches to the mind and has been debated and puzzled over since its first publication. Armstrong argues that mental states play a causally intermediate role between stimuli, other mental states, and behavioral responses, using illuminating examples such as the classic case of pain. This Routledge Classics edition includes a new Foreword by Peter Anstey, placing Armstrong's book in philosophical and historical context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 406 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

D. M. Armstrong's groundbreaking work, "A Materialist Theory of the Mind," is widely recognized as one of the most influential defenses of the view that mental states are nothing but physical states of the brain. This landmark text, published over fifty years ago, marked a significant turning point in the philosophy of mind, initiating the physicalist revolution in our understanding of the mind. Since its initial publication, Armstrong's theory has been extensively debated, explored, and puzzled over by scholars from various disciplines.

Spanning a wide range of topics, from behaviorism and the will to knowledge and perception, bodily sensations, and introspection, Armstrong presents a compelling argument that mental states play a crucial causal intermediary role between stimuli, other mental states, and behavioral responses. Through numerous illuminating examples, such as the classic case of pain, he demonstrates how mental states interact with the physical world to shape our experiences and behavior.

This Routledge Classics edition of "A Materialist Theory of the Mind" includes a new Foreword by Peter Anstey, providing valuable philosophical and historical context for Armstrong's work. By examining the enduring significance of his theory, Anstey sheds light on its relevance in contemporary philosophical discourse and its impact on the development of the field.

In conclusion, D. M. Armstrong's "A Materialist Theory of the Mind" is a seminal text that has profoundly shaped our understanding of the mind-body relationship. Through its rigorous analysis and compelling arguments, it has challenged traditional notions of mental existence and paved the way for a more physicalist approach to the mind. This edition, with its insightful Foreword, ensures that Armstrong's work continues to resonate with scholars and enthusiasts alike, contributing to our ongoing exploration of the complex and fascinating nature of the human mind.

Weight: 960g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032357935