Mental Fictionalism: Philosophical Explorations

Mental states are useful fictions that help us understand behavior, but cognitive science may show that they do not exist. Mental fictionalism offers a new approach to the mind, suggesting that we talk as if people have certain inner states to make sense of their behavior. This book explores mental fictionalism and its potential to offer a fresh perspective on foundational debates in the philosophy of mind, such as the nature of mental states and folk psychology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 370 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Mental states are a fundamental aspect of human cognition and behavior. They refer to the internal states of individuals, such as beliefs, desires, intentions, and perceptions. Mental states are often studied in the field of cognitive science, which aims to understand how the mind works and how it interacts with the external world.

One question that has been debated for centuries is whether mental states exist. Some philosophers argue that they do not exist, while others argue that they do. Mental fictionalism is a new approach to this question that suggests that mental states are useful fictions.

According to mental fictionalism, the purpose of mental states is not to describe the inner workings of the mind or to provide a direct access to the thoughts and feelings of individuals. Instead, mental states are used to make sense of human behavior. We talk about mental states, such as beliefs and desires, in order to explain why people act the way they do.

For example, if we see someone walking towards a door, we might assume that they intend to go through it. This assumption is based on our belief that people have desires and intentions, and that they use their mental states to guide their behavior. Mental fictionalism does not deny that people have desires and intentions, but it suggests that these mental states are not real in the sense that they exist independently of the mind.

Instead, mental states are created and maintained by the mind itself. The mind uses its cognitive abilities to interpret sensory information, form beliefs, and make decisions. These mental states are then used to guide behavior, but they are not independent of the mind.

One advantage of mental fictionalism is that it allows us to explain a wide range of human behavior without resorting to supernatural explanations. For example, we can explain why people believe in gods, spirits, and other supernatural entities without assuming that these entities exist. Instead, we can explain these beliefs as the result of the mind's ability to create and maintain mental states.

Another advantage of mental fictionalism is that it allows us to make sense of the relationship between the mind and the body. Mental states are often associated with the brain, but mental fictionalism suggests that the mind is not limited to the brain. The mind can exist in other parts of the body, such as the gut and the heart, and can interact with the body in different ways.

Mental fictionalism also raises some challenges. One challenge is that it can be difficult to distinguish between mental states that are useful fictions and mental states that are real. Another challenge is that it can be difficult to explain how mental states can interact with the external world if they are not real.

In conclusion, mental states are a fundamental aspect of human cognition and behavior. Mental fictionalism is a new approach to this question that suggests that mental states are useful fictions that are created and maintained by the mind itself. Mental fictionalism has the potential to provide a fresh perspective on foundational debates in the philosophy of mind, such as the nature of mental states and folk psychology, as well as hot topics in the field, such as embodied cognition and mental representation. While mental fictionalism raises some challenges, it is an exciting and promising approach to understanding the mind and human behavior.

Weight: 707g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367548964