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Distributed for Center for the Study of Language and Information

Explaining Beliefs

Lynne Rudder Baker and Her Critics

The philosophy of mind has long been dominated by the view that mental states are identical with, constituted by, or grounded in brain states. Lynne Rudder Baker has been a persistent critic of this view, developing instead a theory grounded in a larger metaphysical outlook called Practical Realism. This volume is the first critical book-length evaluation of her views and criticism; leading philosophers answer her challenges and explore the consequences of Practical Realism, and Baker herself provides thoughtful replies to elaborate her own position.

300 pages | 6 x 9 | © 2001

Lecture Notes

Philosophy: General Philosophy


Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments
Contributors
1. Introduction
Jan Bransen and Anthonie Meijers
2. Are Beliefs Brain States?
Lynne Rudder Baker
3. Where is the Mind?
Fred Dretske
4. The Real Reason for the Standard View
Ansgar Beckermann
5. Brain States, with Attitudes
Louise Antony
6. Brain States, Causal Explanation,and the Attitudes
Reinaldo Elugardo
7. The Causal Powers of Belief: A Critique of Practical Realism
Theo Meyerino
8. Contextual Realism: The Context-dependency and the Relational Character of Beliefs
Albert Newen
9. Collective Beliefs and Practical Realism: Giving Relations their Proper Metaphysical Due
Anthonie Meijers
10. Practical Realism Defended: Replies to Critics
Lynne Rudder Baker
Bibliography of Lynne Rudder Baker
Name Index

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