Social Sciences in China (Chinese Edition)

No.3, 2021

 

On the Non-Reductive Physicalism of the Self

(Abstract)

 

Mei Jianhua

 

Physicalism is a mainstream standpoint in contemporary philosophy’s explanation of the mind. It is a major approach in contemporary philosophy’s addressing of issues of consciousness and ethical norms within the framework of physicalism. On the one hand, physicalists give different accounts of physicalism; on the other, non-physicalists put forward various critiques. In aiming at the non-reductive physicalism of the non-self, the non-reductive physicalism of the self rejects both the internal reductionism of physicalism and the dualism that is opposed to physicalism. It develops a systemic view of physicalism under a non-reductionist approach, extending the future prospects of physicalism.