Causation in Psychology by John Campbell
Philosopher John Campbell argues that humans are unique in our ability to imagine singular causation. While robots and nonhuman animals rely on general axioms concerning what causes what, humans can imagine the specific causes of specific outcomes. This suggests that even lifelike artificial intelligence will never truly empathize with humans.
I found this book highly engagingThe parts about Karl Jaspers and social robots are packed with insights that will make you nod and smile. Campbell argues that singular causation in the mind cannot be analyzed in terms of general causation, but instead is brought to light by human practices that rely on our imaginative understanding of ‘the ballistics of people’s thoughts and feelings.’ These practices include attempts to reach legal verdicts beyond a reasonable doubt about people’s motives. The book is accessible, it discusses a range of long-standing philosophical problems about action and interpretation, and no one will drown in technical details. It’s simply fantastic. -- Susanna Siegel, Harvard University
There is a simplicity and directness with which John Campbell introduces and pursues material that has become cluttered and blocked in much philosophical discussion that has lost sight of the fundamental problems motivating such discussion in the first place. Causation in Psychology offers genuine, true solutions that should change the philosophical landscape for good. A fascinating, deeply original book. -- Bill Brewer, King’s College London
There is a simplicity and directness with which John Campbell introduces and pursues material that has become cluttered and blocked in much philosophical discussion that has lost sight of the fundamental problems motivating such discussion in the first place. Causation in Psychology offers genuine, true solutions that should change the philosophical landscape for good. A fascinating, deeply original book. -- Bill Brewer, King’s College London
John Campbell is Willis S. and Marion Slusser Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley. He is author of Past, Space, and Self and Reference and Consciousness and coauthor of Berkeley’s Puzzle. He was awarded the Jean Nicod Prize in 2017.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780674967861 |
| ISBN 10 | 0674967860 |
| Title | Causation in Psychology |
| Author | John Campbell |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Harvard University Press |
| Year published | 2020-12-01 |
| Number of pages | 224 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |