Learning objective: To understand what Ryle thinks is a ‘category mistake’ To understand how he defends logical behaviourism

Recap What is physicalism? Materialism? Hard/analytical behaviourism? Criticism of this? What’s the other form of logical behaviourism? A disposition? A strength of LB?

Read from Ryle’s ‘The concept of mind’ and highlight the key ideas focusing on what the ‘official doctrine’ of SD is and the main challenges the theory faces. Read pages What does he mean by the ‘ghost in the machine’? What is his analogy with oxford university? Read pp. 43, 44, 119 What does Ryle mean by a disposition? Read through Lacewing to check you have the same understanding of Ryle. Explain Ryle’s claim that there is nothing essentially ‘private’ about thinking.

Strengths? LB Vs. SD? Avoids the problem of other minds (SD) Avoids problems of causal interaction (SD)

Should we accept Ryle’s claim that there is no mental causation? Read the going further section in lacewing p.238 to discuss the above question.

Homework Read about the objection and prepare a mini presentation (please use ppt/handout/another kind of visual aid) Dualist arguments (p.239) Maggie Circularity and multiple realisability of mental states in behaviour ( ) Lola The asymmetry between self-knowledge and knowledge of other people’s mental states ( ) Izzy The conceivability of mental states without associated behaviour (245) Polly ( in the orange book for a very short outline of them)

Presentations Dualist arguments (p.239) Maggie Circularity and multiple realisability of mental states in behaviour ( ) Lola The asymmetry between self-knowledge and knowledge of other people’s mental states ( ) Izzy The conceivability of mental states without associated behaviour (245) Polly

Is the mind without a body conceivable? Explain the objection to logical behaviourism from the multiple realisability of mental states in behaviour. Explain the objection that the analysis of mental states as behavioural dispositions cannot avoid circularity. Explain the objection to LB from an asymmetry between self-knowledge and knowledge of other people’s mental states. Explain the claim that at least some mental states are conceivable without having any associated behavioural dispositions.

Homework Outline logical behaviourism and two objections to it – 12 marks A full and precise answer, set out in a clear, integrated and logical form. Points are made precisely, with little or no redundancy. The content is correct, showing a detailed understanding. Technical philosophical language is used appropriately and consistently throughout 7-9 A correct answer, set out in a clear logical form. The content of the answer is correct. The material is clearly relevant and the points are made clearly and precisely. Integration is present, but may not be sustained. There may be some redundancy or lack of clarity in particular points, but not sufficient to detract from the answer. Technical philosophical language is used appropriately and consistently.