Is it true that someone could know all physical facts without knowing what it is like to see red? If so, would physicalism be refuted??

Describe Jackson's thought experiment about Mary and the black-and-white room.Explain Jackson's argument, boiled down to its premises. Introduce "qualia" and epiphenomenalism, as Jackson meant it, and show that if the statement is true, then physicalism is indeed refuted.Objection: Discuss the Acquaintance Hypothesis and how it undermines Jackson's argument.All good, but the main objection comes from Dennett: If Mary REALLY knew everything before her release, then there truly is nothing new she could learn. She should know exactly what to expect when seeing red etc.Analogy: ancient Greeks and irrational numbers. They were wrong, and Jackson is wrong.

CS
Answered by Constantinos S. Philosophy tutor

2153 Views

See similar Philosophy A Level tutors

Related Philosophy A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline Descartes’ ‘evil deceiver’ argument and explain what he then says about his knowledge of his own existence.


What is Functionalism in the Philosophy of Mind?


Explain and illustrate two reasons for holding the view that at birth the mind is a tabula rasa (blank slate). [15 marks]


What is the difference between necessary and synthetic truths?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning