On the theory of the identity of mind, the materialist view seeks only that which confirms it while ignoring or overlooking that which does not confirm it. It is a merchandise of a cognitive error.
According to a materialist view, every single thing can be understood in terms of matter. Moreover, if every single thing can be understood in terms of matter, then a mental state is identical to the state of matter.
Subsequently, the materialist view believes that a mental state is identical to a state of matter. Moreover, if a mental state is identical to a state of matter, then a state of matter has the same characteristics as a state of matter, particularly since nothing can be identical to something and yet not have its characteristics.
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However, no state of matter has the characteristics of a mental state. Particularly, because unlike a mental state, no state of matter has the characteristic of intentionality. For, unlike a mental state, no state of matter is about knowledge, hope, belief, or a proposition. Nor does a state of matter have a subjective, qualitative, and personal essence.
On the contrary, a state of matter has an objective, impersonal, and quantitative essence. Thereupon, no mental state is identical to matter or a state of matter. So, the mind is not matter or it is not a state of matter.
Furthermore, if the mind is not a state of matter, and the materialist theory of the identity of the mind does not correspond to reality, then, the materialist theory of the identity and nature of the mind does not correspond to reality.
Moreover, if the materialist theory of the identity of mind is true, then it will correspond to reality, particularly, because truth corresponds to reality on grounds of the correspondence theory of truth. Hence, the materialist theory of the identity of the mind is not true. Therefore, it is false.
It is noteworthy that the reason why others subscribe to the materialist theory of the identity of mind is that they believe that every single thing can be understood in terms of matter. However, no universal generalization about the universe can be confirmed, particularly, because the universe exists beyond the scope or limit of human experiences.
Thereafter, this materialist generalization cannot be confirmed—that every single thing can be understood in terms of matter. Since materialism cannot be confirmed, it is nothing but an assumption about the nature and identity of the world. And yet, the truth of this assumption is taken for granted when philosophizing about the mind or when practicing science.
Now, in practicing science, as with that materialist view, it only seeks that which confirms it while ignoring or overlooking that which does not confirm it. Thereafter, materialism motivates perception of the nature of the mind with confirmation bias, an error in thinking.
Therefore, the materialist view in looking at the mind as matter is a result in a cognitive error. ▲
(This philosophical commentary of David Salako on the materialist view of the theory of the identity of mind was first posted on his Facebook page.)
David Salako is a British Nigerian. He is an apologist, a thinker, a polemicist, and a Christian. David loves to ponder about philosophy of politics, religion, logic, ontology, ethics, aesthetics, and axiology.