conjunktionalist

A conjunctionalist is a philosopher who holds the view that the mind is a conjunction of various mental states or events. This perspective is often associated with the philosophical tradition known as behaviorism, which emphasizes the importance of observable behavior and the role of the environment in shaping mental states. Conjunctionalists argue that mental states are not distinct entities but rather complex combinations of physical and environmental factors.

One of the key proponents of conjunctionalism is the philosopher Roderick Chisholm, who developed the theory in the mid-20th century. Chisholm's conjunctionalism posits that mental states are conjunctions of physical states and environmental conditions. For example, the mental state of pain might be seen as a conjunction of specific physical sensations and the context in which they occur.

Critics of conjunctionalism argue that it fails to adequately account for the subjective nature of mental states. They contend that mental states are not merely physical states combined with environmental factors but have a distinct, qualitative character that cannot be reduced to physical or environmental conditions alone. Despite these criticisms, conjunctionalism remains an influential theory in the philosophy of mind, offering a unique perspective on the relationship between mental and physical states.