Outline the Knowledge/Mary argument and one criticism of it (12 marks)

The Knowledge/Mary argument was a thought-experiment coined by Frank Jackson, primarily in an attempt to show that Physicalism was false, and indirectly to support Property Dualism. It goes as follows:P1: Mary has all physical knowledge about colour, including the experience of seeing redC1: Therefore any new knowledge must be non-physicalP2: Mary acquires new phenomenal knowledge when she sees red for the first timeC2: Mary's new knowledge is non-physicalP3: If there is knowledge which is non-physical then physicalism is falseC3: Physicalism is false
One criticism of this argument comes from the Churchlands, who claim that if Mary truly has all knowledge of colour, then this would include 'qualia', or the phenomenal knowledge Jackson claims that Mary gains through experience. Hence, she doesn't gain any new knowledge when she sees red for the first time, so physicalism is not false. We only think she would because it's impossible for us to comprehend someone who has all knowledge of something.

Related Philosophy A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline the Logical Problem of Evil and explain why it is a problem for the thiest.


Explain the utilitarian account of morality?


Briefly explain ethical naturalism


How do I structure and write a philosophy essay?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy