- 1. Real Materialism And Other Essays by Galen Strawson is a thought-provoking collection of philosophical essays that delve into the complexities of materialism, consciousness, and the nature of reality. In this work, Strawson presents a compelling argument against the often simplistic views of physicalism, advocating instead for a more nuanced understanding of materialism that acknowledges the rich tapestry of human experience and the philosophical implications of consciousness. Throughout the essays, he explores fundamental questions about the relationship between mind and body, the existence of free will, and the metaphysical underpinnings of human existence. Strawson's writing is characterized by clarity and rigor, making intricate philosophical concepts accessible to a broader audience without sacrificing depth. The essays not only engage with contemporary philosophical debates but also draw on historical contexts and figures, situating Strawson's arguments within a larger discourse. Overall, Real Materialism And Other Essays invites readers to reconsider their assumptions about the material world and encourages an ongoing dialogue about the essential aspects of human life and the philosophical questions that arise from our understanding of existence.
What is the central argument of Galen Strawson's 'Real Materialism'?
A) Consciousness is an illusion created by the brain
B) Consciousness is a fundamental property of matter
C) Only complex organisms can possess consciousness
D) Consciousness requires a non-physical soul
- 2. Strawson's position on free will is best described as:
A) Existential freedom
B) Hard determinism
C) Libertarian free will
D) Compatibilism
- 3. What does Strawson mean by 'real materialism'?
A) A denial of scientific realism
B) A focus on economic materialism
C) A materialism that takes consciousness seriously
D) A rejection of all mental phenomena
- 4. Strawson's view on panpsychism is that:
A) It only applies to living organisms
B) It contradicts quantum mechanics
C) It's an unscientific superstition
D) It's the most plausible solution to the hard problem
- 5. According to Strawson, what is the 'hard problem' of consciousness?
A) Explaining unconscious mental processes
B) Proving consciousness exists
C) Explaining why physical processes produce experience
D) Understanding how brains process information
- 6. Strawson criticizes which common view of consciousness?
A) That it requires biological processes
B) That it evolved for survival
C) That it emerges from complex computation
D) That it involves qualia
- 7. What is Strawson's view on qualia?
A) They are linguistic illusions
B) They don't actually exist
C) They are cultural constructs
D) They are real and fundamental aspects of reality
- 8. According to Strawson, what is wrong with 'eliminative materialism'?
A) It contradicts quantum physics
B) It denies the reality of conscious experience
C) It relies too much on introspection
D) It accepts supernatural explanations
- 9. Strawson's position on animal consciousness is that:
A) Only humans are conscious
B) We cannot know if animals are conscious
C) Consciousness requires language
D) Many animals are clearly conscious
- 10. What is Strawson's critique of functionalism?
A) It cannot account for qualitative experience
B) It requires dualism
C) It denies the existence of mental states
D) It relies on outdated computer models
- 11. Strawson's real materialism is closest to which position?
A) Behaviorism
B) Eliminative materialism
C) Panpsychism
D) Substance dualism
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