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Issue 30 (December 2011)


The so-called problem of simple minds (in Polish)

about author

Adriana Schetz, PhD
Szczecin University
Institute of Philosophy
ul. Krakowska 71-79
Pl-71-017 Szczecin
e-mail: aschetz@univ.szczecin.pl
text (PDF)

abstract

Adriana Schetz, The so-called problem of simple minds (in Polish), Diametros 2011 (December 2011)

This article is concerned with what is known as "the problem of simple minds", considered by four participants in the debate on the possibility of attributing the mental life to animals without assigning them the ability to use language: Donald Davidson, John McDowell, Peter Carruthers, and Jose L. Bermudez. The first two defend the belief-desire model of thinking in which the ability to use language plays a decisive role. The other two combine the belief-desire model with an argument against the connection of thought with language. After analyzing in detail the arguments of both positions I favor the solution proposed by Carruthers and Bermudez.

Keywords: simple minds, rationality, animals, thinking, action, language, Davidson, McDowell, Bermudez, Carruthers.
 
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