The Causal Exclusion Problem: (213 American University Studies)

In The Causal Exclusion Problem, the popular strategy of abandoning any one of the principles constituting the causal exclusion problem is considered, but ultimately rejected. The metaphysical foundations undergirding the causal exclusion problem are then explored, revealing that the causal exclusion problem cannot be dislodged by undermining its metaphysical foundations - as some are in the habit of doing. Finally, the significant difficulties associated with the bevy of contemporary nonreductive solutions, from supervenience to emergentism, are expanded upon. While conducting this survey of contemporary options, however, two novel approaches are introduced, both of which may resolve the causal exclusion problem from within a nonreductive physicalist paradigm. The Causal Exclusion Problem, which relentlessly motivates the vexing causal exclusion problem and exhaustively surveys its metaphysical assumptions and contemporary responses, is ideal for an advanced undergraduate or graduate course in the philosophy of mind.

About the Author :
Dwayne Moore received his PhD in philosophy from the University of Guelph-Laurier-McMaster Tri-University program, where his dissertation centered on the causal exclusion problem. He has published numerous articles in the Philosophy of Mind, and, more specifically, on the causal exclusion problem. He is currently Assistant Professor in Philosophy at Trent University.

Review :
«This book provides cutting-edge research on the widely debated problem of mental causation and related issues. In addition to providing a lucid, state-of-the art analysis of the mental causation problem and a comprehensive and insightful critique of current positions on how to deal with it, Moore also proposes a novel solution of his own ... This book deserves a very careful reading by all participants in the mental causation debate as well as by those who wish to have an in-depth and up-to-date introduction to the range of issues surrounding this important aspect of the mind-body problem.» (Ausonio Marras, University of Western Ontario) «Moore provides an excellent, thorough, and complete discussion of the notorious problem of mental causation which will be of interest to students and researchers alike. Still more, he defends an original and intriguing emergentist solution to the problem which aims to rehabilitate emergent mental causes without radically rejecting the scientific picture of the world.» (William Seager, University of Toronto)