Real Materialism And Other Essays by Galen Strawson
- 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 a fundamental property of matter
B) Consciousness requires a non-physical soul
C) Only complex organisms can possess consciousness
D) Consciousness is an illusion created by the brain
- 2. Strawson's position on free will is best described as:
A) Hard determinism
B) Existential freedom
C) Compatibilism
D) Libertarian free will
- 3. What does Strawson mean by 'real materialism'?
A) A focus on economic materialism
B) A rejection of all mental phenomena
C) A materialism that takes consciousness seriously
D) A denial of scientific realism
- 4. Strawson's view on panpsychism is that:
A) It's an unscientific superstition
B) It's the most plausible solution to the hard problem
C) It contradicts quantum mechanics
D) It only applies to living organisms
- 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 emerges from complex computation
C) That it involves qualia
D) That it evolved for survival
- 7. What is Strawson's view on qualia?
A) They are cultural constructs
B) They are linguistic illusions
C) They are real and fundamental aspects of reality
D) They don't actually exist
- 8. According to Strawson, what is wrong with 'eliminative materialism'?
A) It contradicts quantum physics
B) It accepts supernatural explanations
C) It relies too much on introspection
D) It denies the reality of conscious experience
- 9. Strawson's position on animal consciousness is that:
A) We cannot know if animals are conscious
B) Many animals are clearly conscious
C) Only humans are conscious
D) Consciousness requires language
- 10. What is Strawson's critique of functionalism?
A) It relies on outdated computer models
B) It cannot account for qualitative experience
C) It denies the existence of mental states
D) It requires dualism
- 11. Strawson's real materialism is closest to which position?
A) Behaviorism
B) Substance dualism
C) Panpsychism
D) Eliminative materialism
|