Knowledge Argument

The knowledge argument (also known as Mary's room or Mary the super-scientist) is a philosophical thought experiment proposed by Frank Jackson in his article "Epiphenomenal Qualia" (1982) and extended in "What Mary Didn't Know" (1986). The argument is intended to motivate what is often called the "Knowledge Argument" against physicalism — the view that the universe, including all that is mental, is entirely physical. The debate that emerged following its publication became the subject of an edited volume — There's Something About Mary (2004) — which includes replies from such philosophers as Daniel Dennett, David Lewis, and Paul Churchland.

Read more about Knowledge Argument:  Background, Thought Experiment, Implications, Objections

Famous quotes containing the words knowledge and/or argument:

    Whatever your hand finds to do, do with your might; for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
    Bible: Hebrew, Ecclesiastes 9:10.

    Your views are now my own.
    Marvin Cohen, U.S. author and humorist.

    In conversation, after having taken a strong position in an argument and heard a complete refutation of his position.