Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts two conceivability arguments: the zombie argument (ZA) against physicalism, and the perfect actor argument (AA) against behaviourism. I start the paper by assuming that the arguments are of the same kind, and that AA is sound. On the basis of these two assumptions I criticize the most common philosophical suggestions in the literature today about what is wrong with ZA, and what is right in it. I end the paper by suggesting that the comparison between the two arguments makes plausible an epistemic response to ZA according to which the conceivability of a zombie - that is, someone identical to me in all physical respects but different in some phenomenal respect - is being confused with the conceivability of something else, i.e. someone identical to me in physical respects that are epistemically available, but different in some phenomenal respect.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 27-44 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Proceedings of the Aristotelean Society |
| Volume | 107 |
| Issue number | 1 PART 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 2007 |
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