Supervenience
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Mental properties supervene on physical properties, meaning that it is impossible for two systems to be physically identical but mentally different. Mental properties are determined by physical properties but cannot be reduced to them.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
It provides a framework for non-reductive physicalism. It allows us to acknowledge that the mental is determined by the physical while preserving the irreducibility of the mental, thereby leaving room for free will and moral responsibility.
Anchor fast decisions
If two systems have identical physical properties, then their mental properties must be identical (dependence without reduction); the mental is 'determined' by the physical, yet cannot be fully translated into physical language.
MINIMUM ACTION
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supervenienceverified
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