Routledge Epiphenomenal Mind: Philosophy of Consciousness & Mental Causation

Epiphenomenal Mind presents a comprehensive philosophical defence of epiphenomenalism, exploring how mental states like sensations, beliefs, desires, and pleasure relate to brain activity without causing behaviour. This Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy volume builds on established philosophical work by extending epiphenomenalist theory beyond sensations to address broader questions of mental causation. The author develops a dualistic account of sensations whilst applying epiphenomenalist principles to emotions and cognitive experiences, offering readers a rigorous examination of the relationship between consciousness and physical causality. Essential for philosophers, cognitive scientists, and students investigating the nature of mind and whether our subjective experiences genuinely influence our actions or merely accompany neural events.