epiphenomenalistic materialism

philosophy

Also known as: epiphenomenalism

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Also called:: epiphenomenalism

Related Topics:: materialism

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epiphenomenalistic materialism, a philosophical theory, associated with mechanistic materialism, according to which mental states or events are by-products of states or events in the brain, necessarily caused by them but exercising no causality themselves. Thus, a certain thought, belief, desire, intention, or sensation is produced by a specific brain state or event but in no way affects the brain or the body to which the brain is connected.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Brian Duignan.