Definition
Panpsychism critique examines the claim that consciousness is a fundamental feature of matter and argues that such claims must explain more than they rename.
Why It Matters
This critique prevents “Intellectual Stagnation” by forcing us to look for “Functional Mechanisms” rather than accepting “Empty Labels.” If we default to panpsychism, we stop trying to understand the “Emergent Properties” of consciousness, which has deep implications for “AI Sentience” and “Ethics.” We must know if we are building “Mind” or just “Calculators.”
Core Concepts
- If consciousness is fundamental, its causal and explanatory role must be specified.
- Attributing proto-consciousness to particles risks solving the hard problem verbally.
- Emergent accounts explain why consciousness appears at organized biological scales.
- Fundamental mentality must connect to known physics somehow.