New discussions of emergence

I've discussed the concept of emergence here repeatedly. It is central to my still-developing personal philosophy, as it centers the mind-body problem and indeed the place of the human species within the broader world. Not minor points.

Emergence is the idea that reality is layered, and that one layer arises as the simplifying embodiment and consequent of the complexities of the level that lies beneath it. One notable example of this is the emergence of consciousness from the complexities of life.

As it happens, there has been much discussion of emergence in this sense among contemporary philosophers. I will say a little bit today about three philosophical names to contend with: Jaegwon Kim, Sydney Shoemaker, Warren Shrader.

Jaegwon Kim (1934 - 2019) argued against emergence in the sense I've discussed it. He called it "non-reductive physicalism" and his bottom line was that it cannot be maintained. Physicalism is the future of philosophy, but it must accept a reductive agenda.

Sydney Shoemaker (1931 - 2022) criticized Kim on emergence, in an article starkly titled "Kim on Emergence." Shoemaker created a new vocabulary for discussions of emergence. He said that the emergence of mind from life requires that the ultimate physical micro-entities have "micro-latent causal powers" which manifest themselves only when the setting is right. His view allows for downward causation (i.e. mind influencing body).

Warren Shrader (1970 ) criticized Shoemaker on emergence, in an article analogously entitled "Shoemaker on emergence." Shrader thinks the types of causal powers Shoemaker would recognize is insufficiently comprehensive. I haven't provided Shoemaker's list of types of causal powers here, he who cares can research that easily enough, and I'll provide a link to help with that.

I'll also say that Shrader adds another item to the list and end up with more room for mind as a causative fact in the world than Shoemaker found.

Warren Shrader, Shoemaker on emergence - PhilPapers

It is a great thing that the important underlying concept is receiving such detailed examination.

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Jamesian Philosophy Refreshed

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